On Sunday (17:00), the Veilchen welcome TSV Hartberg to the Generali-Arena. By Friday morning, 12.200 tickets had already been sold. Coach Stephan Helm warns of the strong dribbling East Styrians and sets out the route: ‘We want to impose our game, our rhythm on them!’

Coach Stephan Helm about...

...the upcoming opponent:
‘It's common knowledge that Hartberg combine very well. With Avdijaj, Mijic and Prokop, they have strong dribbling players and we are prepared for that. We have to take away their strengths and bring ours onto the pitch. We want to impose our rhythm on them.’

...the explosion in performance after the change of ends:
‘Every game writes its own story, the league is very evenly matched. In the first half, the teams usually don't give up much space. Our plan is always to go the full 90 minutes. Sooner or later, we'll find our spaces. We know that we can be dangerous at any time, and that knowledge is what makes the team so strong at the moment.’

...the recent run of games:
‘In certain phases of the game, we manage the forays into the final third very well. We have the second most contact with the ball in the opposition penalty area. But we're still not scoring enough goals. Of course, we want to extend our dangerous phases to 90 minutes. Our aim is to perhaps turn the game in our favour in the first half. It's important that we stay compact at the back and keep a clean sheet. That's how you can keep games open until the end. We stick together. The players have created a great culture.’

...luxury problems in defence:
‘Wiesi (Philipp Wiesinger, ed.) was fully there in a difficult phase. The way he integrated himself into the team is also worthy of honour. The fact that Johannes Handl is now back revitalises the competition and makes the team stronger. We'll be even more stable at the back. The comebacks will make us more flexible overall. As a coach, you can respond better to the individual opponents. We're all pursuing a common goal here. Those who are ahead in training will always play.’

Philipp Wiesinger about…

...TSV Hartberg:
‘We have prepared meticulously for Hartberg. The coaches have given us a lot of advice. We have good weapons to beat them and want to pick up where we left off last time. Every week of training is very helpful, we're all really looking forward to this game.’

...his long road back:
‘Six months ago, it wasn't clear with me whether my body could still keep up at professional level. I didn't know how my body would react to the strain. Austria gave me the chance to test that. That's not a matter of course and I'm very grateful to those responsible. Things are going great at the moment, my body is holding up. Trusting your own body is the most important thing. It's easier when you're young. I thought my most recent injury would soon be cured. After two operations, you naturally start to worry. You have to take small steps and gradually increase the load. I've regained confidence in my body bit by bit. My team-mates have given me great support in this respect. I'm very grateful for how open the communication has been. I'm very happy right now.’

Squad news
Jo Handl is fully fit again and could get some comeback minutes against Hartberg. After his comeback against Traiskirchen, Luca Pazourek will initially try out for co-operation club SV Stripfing. Patience is still required for Ziad El Sheiwi.