Salzburg League

One favorite and twelve cellar candidates

Kuchl goal scorer Marco Hödl (right).(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

The Salzburg League opener takes place today in Hallein. While the championship seems to be decided, most of the clubs have to look in the rear-view mirror. Adnet are already planning for the 1st regional league.

Problem child Anif starts its mission to catch up in the Salzburg League today (19) in Hallein, just ten kilometers away. The Berktold crew are five points short of the safety margin at the halfway point of the season. The coach believes his team is well prepared for the spring: "We had a good preparation, the season opener can finally come. It will be a tough fight until the last round." While Kuchl, with top scorer Hödl, looks lonely at the top, the question of who will be relegated is more important, as up to twelve of the 16 clubs could still be drawn into the downward spiral.

An anonymous survey of the candidates for the drop to the regional league reveals exciting tips alongside bottom club Adnet: Some see SAK with ex-national player Junuzovic at the back of the pack. Others bet on the seventh-placed promoted team Henndorf. Everyone is saying: "We want to get away from the back as quickly as possible!"

"We don't see ourselves at the front. Everything is wide open behind Kuchl and Seekirchen. I think the direct duels will be decisive," says Henndorf section head Sebastian Lindlbauer.

Chance for revenge
The seven games on Saturday already offer the chance to get revenge for surprises from round one: Henndorf overcame Eugendorf in the derby, Adnet frustrated Pucher, Bramberg rolled over Thalgau 5:2 and Siezenheim held Seekirchen to a draw. "We'll gladly take that with us if we can do it again," grinned Adnet coach Gerhard Perlak. He knows: "We've become stronger, but we're big outsiders. We're planning for the 1st national league, you have to be that honest."

Two of the twelve teams will start the spring with a new coach: Puch with Jukic, Straßwalchen with Huber-Rieder.