Helm: “Taking the momentum to Hartberg”

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Austria Wien face TSV Hartberg away from home in the third round of the ADMIRAL Bundesliga on Sunday (5:00 pm). The Violets will be looking to build on their home win against WAC. Coach Stephan Helm is confident in his team, but also knows how to classify the opponent.

©Daniel Shaked

The stoppage time in the last home game was a nice one. In the 93rd minute, it was Muki Husković who redeemed the Violets in the Generali-Arena, with Dominik Fitz then putting the lid on it in 90+6 minutes. "We can build on that performance", recalled Stephan Helm, "we did a lot of the things we set out to do on the pitch."

And even if it took a long time, "in the end we got a deserved win." said Helm. "Above all, however, it was important that we put in a decent performance and can go into the next game with confidence." That awaits on Sunday in Hartberg, where the Violets were able to bring last season to a conciliatory close at the end of May.

"We want the next positive experience"

Although the Styrians led by head coach Markus Schopp suffered two defeats in the first two rounds against LASK (1-2) and at Sturm Graz (0-2), Helm is not the only one who knows about the strengths of Hartberg. "They have a very clear plan and a clear style of play, a very experienced coach who knows the Bundesliga inside out and are always dangerous."

"We have to get our idea, our game back on the pitch in order to play to our strengths. And we want to take the momentum from the WAC game with us to have another positive experience together with our fans, who will support us in large numbers again", said Helm.

Young talents present themselves

It is not yet clear who will be making the trip to Styria on Saturday. It is quite possible that another young talent from the club's own ranks will be there. For example, 16-year-old Philipp Maybach, who has been training with the professionals since this week, would have the chance to do so. "We always keep our eyes open, are in constant communication and always have several young players in our sights". explains the coach.

"Konstantin Aleksa did really well against the WAC, of course; he really showcased his biggest weapon, his speed. He confirmed why we are focusing on our own talents." On Saturday, Aleksa will play with the Young Violets against Wiener Sport-Club (Generali-Arena, 4:00 pm) in order to get as many playing minutes as possible. "After that we will evaluate again."

Personnel situation

There is good news from Johannes Handl, who has undergone conservative treatment after tearing his collateral ligament and does not currently require an operation. Marvin Potzmann will return to training next week after his back problems subsided and Hakim Guenouche is also back on the pitch after tearing a muscle fiber. Luca Pazourek will have to wait and see, as will Marko Raguž, who is also making great progress, Ziad El Sheiwi and Florian Wustinger.