Klein's motto against Sturm: "Being aggressive from the start"

Before the game of the eleventh Bundesliga round on Sunday (5 PM) in the Generali-Arena against SK Sturm Graz Florian Klein gives the violent motto, "be aggressive from the start". He not only talks about the opponent and news, but also about the past and future until the next league break.

Our right-back, who is about to play his 137th league game for Austria Wien (9 goals and assists each), expects that the runner-up will not make any major changes in terms of tactics compared to the cup match on September 26^th. Back then the ‘Violets’ won 2-0 in Vienna.

"In the first half, Sturm Graz had some chances. They have a good team with good individual players," warns the Upper Austrian. Austria Wien would have to appear confident in their own stadium and impose their game on the opponent.

The eliminated and last seasons cup winner had gone through a phase where some important games were lost, putting pressure on the team. "Everyone has experienced this before, but SK Sturm can play very well and we must not let that happen," emphasizes our former national team player.

Duel with a direct competitor

He expects "a tough game, but we beat Sturm at home just recently and we want to repeat that for points this time." Before the league break, the "Blackies" who are goal and victory less against us (0-0-3 / 0-5 goals) have clearly taken on form again.

Against the third place and strong LASK (0-0) they kept their goal save for the first time this season and during the 1-2 against the champion and leader RB Salzburg the equalizer was close during the last minutes. Austria Wien is fourth in the standings, Sturm Graz is three points behind the sixth place.

"We have to fight for more offensive actions"

Even before the preparation for the ‘Cup Revival’ Austria Wien has started processing the 0-2 against SCR Altach, drawn conclusions and set priorities in training accordingly.

"Against teams like Altach we have to let the ball run faster, then the opponent has to move more. We really want to improve that," said the 2016 European Championship participant in France, who is expecting a different game against Sturm:

"For us, it's about creating more chances to score. We have to fight for more offensive actions. However, it is still important for us to be compact in the back," explains our defender.

Four home matches until November 11^th

During the international cap break, there were also a few days off for regeneration. Otherwise, the training days were used, among other things, to set physical stimuli. "You can do that, because the burden of league games doesn’t play a role," explains Klein.

Before the third ÖFB international cap break the ‘Violets’ play four out of five competitive games in their own stadium. After Sturm Graz the team plays Wacker in Innsbruck (27.10./5 PM), then at home against FAC in the Cup (30.10./ 8:20 PM), WAC (4.11./2:30 PM) and RB Salzburg (11.11./5 PM).

"Five victories would be perfect, but football isn’t about choosing", Klein knows and adds realistically: "I hope for as many points as possible. We have to collect and look from game to game, that's important! "The coming phase can be a trendsetter in terms of the points in the spring.

"Important pressure from the back"

On November 17^th Klein will turn 32 years old and surely he will celebrate his birthday. "No matter what the results are until then. The important thing is that we stay healthy. Of course, it is nice to be successful," admits the former Stuttgart legionary, who also scored during the 13-0 trial game against SC Pottenstein.

Every goal gives him a dose of self-confidence, even if it is ‘just’ during a trial game. Last season he scored three league goals despite only 21 appearances.

Klein is still waiting for his first league goal this season. He wanted to score a few again and keeps working on it. "It is important that a lot of pressure comes from the back, be it through assists or goals. That is always good," he says before his 25^th league game (9-6-9) against Sturm Graz.

So far he made two goals and assists against the Syrians - he scored both goals as a ‘Violet’. On December 12^th, 2009 in Graz he scored the final goal – 2-2 and on March 2^nd, 2011 in Vienna he scored the 1-2 (2-2).

That all good things come in threes, is not on Flo’s mind. Three points are more important to him. Klein also wants Petar Gluhakovic to get well soon, he is one of the long-term injured with a cruciate ligament tear in his right knee since July and Klein’s back-up. "He's a great football player, technically strong, dynamic and ambitious. It's important that he recovers fully and keeps his knee strong."

Ausgabe KW 42/2018

Erstellt am 19.10.2018

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

» Matic: "Gemeinsam mit den Fans können wir viel erreichen"
» Fan-Infos vor dem Schlager gegen Sturm Graz
» Kraetschmer spricht über aktuell wichtige Themen
» Viola Sportsbar: CL-Abende mit Jeggo & Matic
» Die nächsten Spiele & Termine der Veilchen

Bundesliga:
11. Runde, 21.10.2018, 17:00 Uhr, FK Austria Wien - SK Sturm Graz (Alle Infos >>)
12. Runde, 27.10.2018, 17:00 Uhr, FC Wacker Innsbruck - FK Austria Wien (Alle Infos >>)
13. Runde, 04.11.2018, 14:30 Uhr, FK Austria Wien - RZ Pellets WAC (Alle Infos >>)

ÖFB Cup:
3. Runde, 30.10.2018, 20:20 Uhr, FK Austria Wien - FAC Wien

2. Liga
11. Runde, 19.10.2018, 19:10 Uhr, SC Austria Lustenau - Young Violets Austria Wien
12. Runde, 26.10.2018, 19:10 Uhr, Young Violets Austria Wien - FC Blau Weiss Linz
13. Runde, 03.11.2018, 14:30 Uhr, FC Wacker Innsbruck II - Young Violets Austria Wien