Captain Grünwald, "We have to score points"

Before the fourth ‘Bundesliga’ matchday, Sunday (5 PM) against Admira in the Generali Arena, Captain Alex Grünwald talks about the second competitive game at home, Austria Wien’s season start, the fans, the defeat in Salzburg, his role in the midfield and Cristian Cuevas’ debut.

"There was a lack of power in the offense"

"The lack of concentration and power in the offensive during one or the other action, was one reason why we did not come in front of the opponent's goal," Grünwald tried to explain the defeat against the club, which is above all the others in the league.

The captain sees the start of the season after four competitive matches (2-0-2 / 6-4 goals including the Cup) realistically. "We were clearly the better team in Wolfsberg, we didn’t use all our chances and didn’t pay enough attention during one standard situation. And in Salzburg you just lose sometimes, "he says.

More pressure from the outside does not irritate the team. "Yes, we do miss the points from Wolfsberg for a better place in the standings. But everything is still possible and the boys are still fully motivated," assures the left footer.

"With the upcoming games only the results count, we have to score points," Grünwald agrees with his head coach Thomas Letsch, who used similar words after the 0-2 in Salzburg. This should start with the game against Admira, since they have the same amount of points.

Fans as an important home factor

"Our goal is to have the fans on our side from the first second, they are an important factor, as seen against FC Wacker," remembers "Grüni", who scored the first goal against the Tyrolean (2-1) on July 27^th.

Like at Austria Wien, Admira’s squad has changed quite a bit over the summer, we are without any victories against them for the past three games (0-1-2) or rather for almost a year (3-1 on August 27^th). However, that fact is of no great importance to Grünwald ahead of the next game.

"I am convinced that if we present ourselves in terms of will, performance and motivation as in the recent games, we will score points. It will be up to us," says the 29-year-old Carinthian confidently.

The 0-2 last Saturday in Salzburg, has been analyzed and reprocessed during the training the next day, on Monday they left it behind them. "We've made mistakes, and when Salzburg plays their top game, it's very difficult," said Letsch.

Grünwald's bottom line on the "Bulls", they perform at a very high level. "As players, we had the feeling that we were aggressive, did well during the duels and neutralized the opponent well." We made a mistake and that led to the 0-1.

The ‘Violets’ did have a hard time moving forward and also missed opportunities. "That was a bit of a drawback," our offensive spirit admitted. Against Wacker and WAC (0-1 / away game) we had plenty of opportunities, against the strong champion we knew we wouldn’t have as many great chances.

"With willingness, aggressiveness and intensity points will come"

"You can see how we performed, that we have become more stable. It feels different and I think that if we continue with the same willingness, aggressiveness and the intensity, the points will come in the next rounds," says Grünwald about the games against Admira (home game), St. Pölten (away game) and Mattersburg (home game).

In the first three ‘Bundesliga’ matches Alex came to use in the midfield on the side twice and in Salzburg behind the two-man attack. Where Letsch puts him, depends on the opponent and on whether Austria Wien acts more offensive or defensive.

"I manage quite well on both positions, I feel good. However, as the offensive midfielder the path to the goal is shorter and you might be able to score more points," said Alex, who will play against Admira for the 20^th time (11-3-5 / 4 goals and 4 assists).

Team success is more important than the own "50 League anniversary"

During his 236^th league match, the 174^th in the violet dress, he could celebrate his 50^th goal in the championship, the 42^nd for the ‘Violets’. "But what's more important is that we as a team get positive results and score points," says Grünwald.

Of course, it would be even more exciting if a personal success comes along, like against Wacker. The captain was also pleased about Cristian Cuevas’ debut, whose clearance had arrived before the game against the champion.

"He played very well and was very aggressive. You could see that he is a strong player", Grünwald praised the 23-year-old. The Chilean came as the left-back instead of the reliable Thomas Salamon, who replace represented the long-time injured Christoph Martschinko until now. "We have that position covered in terms of quantity and quality," says the Captain.

Ausgabe KW 33/2018

Erstellt am 17.08.2018

Lieber Austria-Fan,
der Inhalt des heutigen FK Austria Wien-Newsletters

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» Fan-Infos vor dem Heimspiel gegen die Admira
» Viola TV: Mit der Austria-App in die Generali-Arena
» Young Violets wollen Punkte aus Wr. Neustadt entführen
» Die nächsten Spiele & Termine der Veilchen

Bundesliga:
4. Runde, 19.08.2018, 17:00, FK Austria Wien - FC Admira Wacker Mödling (Alle Infos >>)
5. Runde, 25.08.2018, 17:00, SKN St. Pölten - FK Austria Wien
6. Runde, 01.09.2018, 17:00, FK Austria Wien - SV Mattersburg (Alle Infos >>)

UNIQA ÖFB Cup:
2. Runde, 26.09.2018, 20:45, FK Austria Wien - SK Puntigamer Sturm Graz

2. Liga
4. Runde, 17.08.2018, 19:10, SC Wiener Neustadt - Young Violets Austria Wien
5. Runde, 24.08.2018, 19:10, Young Violets Austria Wien - SV Licht-Loidl Lafnitz
6. Runde, 02.09.2018, 10:30, SK Austria Klagenfurt - Young Violets Austria Wien