LASK in direct duel for second place: a new starting eleven must solve the problem

This is an unexpected duel for second place: while the LASK was not established by the 3: 3 last weekend against Salzburg as "Best of the Rest" behind the championship leader, St. Pölten is the surprise of the Bundesliga. Although LASK wants to defend second place, Oliver Glasner is more important than long-term development.

"Our goal is to enter the top six of the championship round," said Glasner. "I see no reason to change that goal." According to Glasner, however, the LASK does not currently handle positions in the tables. "We just want to keep improving, that's what motivates us, but we like to take everything with us."

From here 2022, when the new stadium will be completed, the connection with the financially stronger teams of the league is planned. Glasner: "Then we want to be in the top four (Note: Salzburg, Rapid, Austria, Sturm) and play regularly for the European Cup places." The athletes have four points more than Austria after twelve rounds of the current season, seven more than the Rapid, eight more than Sturm Graz – currently, the LASK is better than what the purse actually gives .

What applies to black and white is even more valid for today's opponent, St. Pölten: the Low season still in relegation, the Lower Austrians have launched a successful series, slowed down a bit by the pbadage of coach Didi Kühbauer in Rapid. His successor, Ranko Popovic, is always looking for a formula to succeed. In the Cup, St. Pölten struggled despite a long 3-2 domination in second division club Lafnitz.

"The best team in Salzburg"

"They have already gone through the Cup and what they will do against us will be interesting," said Glasner. "We are flexible enough to be prepared." Having recently been nominated in nine consecutive competition matches, in the same lineup, he now has to compete in the best defense duel with only ten goals conceded: Gernot Trauner is suspended. That does not diminish Popovic's respect: "For me, LASK Salzburg is the best team in the league." (Mag)

"back to LASK"