Alex Grünwald about comeback and season-finale

During the first week of the international cap break, the Carinthian had already played for 30 minutes in the Austria Academy against our U18 in a friendly match, scored one goal and was satisfied. "Foremost it was nice to see that I can play just fine with my knee."

First test in internal game

This test was definitely good and important for him. His goal has been "secondary," he says, but it's always nice to see the ball in the net. "I think it will not be too long before I'm back on a good level."

After a cartilage damage in his right knee joint during the derby on August 6^th 2017 (2-2) in the west of Vienna, the required surgery and the rehabilitation program, 'Grüni' joined the team training partially in mid-February and has been fully around for about a week now. Every now and then he has to skip a session.

The time he doesn’t spend on the lawn he spends in the weight room. "I want to further develop and increase the strength level of my leg," Grünwald says about his training routine at the Sports Center VIVA in Steinbrunn, Burgenland.

"Nothing like a routine"

Our "ten" has been slowed down by injuries a few times in his career already, but his experience with those only help him partially. "Since it had been different injuries, there’s nothing like a routine."

Looking ahead to the upcoming home game against Altach (Saturday, 6:30 PM, Happel Stadium) Alex Grünwald says, "The 0-5 in Salzburg was not satisfying, it was just not enough. Altach is an opponent we've always struggled with, especially at away games. That's why we know it's not going to be an easy game."

Nevertheless, in the third home game under the new head coach Thomas Letsch the third home victory should succeed. "We want to score points, a victory would be very important for us," emphasizes "Grüni" with a side glance at the current standings.

"Get the most out of the remaining nine games"

Looking at the points, the rivals in the fight for the European Cup tickets have an advantage over the "Violets". "We should not only think about the standings but try to get the most out of the remaining nine games. We'll see if it'll be enough in the end," the attacking midfielder points out.

In order to have a reason to celebrate at the end, hard work is necessary until the last minute of the 36^th round. A victory on Saturday would be a step in the right direction. "That would be great for the coach, the team and the fans," says "Grüni".

Keyword Coach: It will be interesting to see what system Letsch will prefer against Altach. In the first three games of his era, he has indeed played several different variants. Grünwald likes the flexibility of the new head coach.

Grünwald on Letsch’s game philosophy

"Every new coach brings his own ideas, his own game philosophy. Pressing, vertical play, fast forward play, coming to a quick finish - these are the qualities he wants to see", says Grünwald about the German.

The Carinthian thinks this won’t happen instantly and emphasizes, "The first two home games have been very good. Everyone could see that the team can play quite well." Perhaps already in April, with Grünwald as a source of ideas in the front.

Grünwald, with the most shots on goal (92 attempts) during the 2016/17 season, and with Lucas Venuto and Larry Kayode in the official Bundesliga team of the season, has 226 appearances (47 goals / 46 assists) in the Bundesliga. He is looking forward to his 166^th game (39/38) in his FAK-jersey.

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