GAK must go to Ried

This is why Oberleitner knows a Bayern superstar

In the cup derby against Sturm, GAK defender Yannick Oberleitner (left) scored to give the team a 2:1 lead.

(Bild: Sepp Pail)

The "weeks of truth" begin for GAK in Ried on Friday. The Second Division leaders face four crucial matches in the promotion battle. Yannick Oberleitner spoke to the "Krone" beforehand about fear, his path into soccer and a Bayern Munich star.

The weeks of truth begin on Friday! "These are now four games in which everything is at stake once again. After that, we'll see where we stand," says Yannick Oberleitner. The defender and his GAK have to travel to Ried on Friday evening (20:30) for the top match. After that, Leoben await at home, Liefering away and St. Pölten at home. "It's always nice to go into these games with a lead." Twelve points at the moment.

Ex-professional Markus Oberleitner always gives his son feedback.

(Bild: GAK 1902)

Rieder were considered the biggest title favorites before the season. In the meantime, however, they are already 13 points behind Graz. Nevertheless, the team from Innviertel are dangerous and have the most prolific attack in the league with 43 goals. "It will be a task, but we have analyzed it carefully. The excitement is naturally a little greater before such a top match. But I've never been afraid of a game, there are still only three points."

Soccer has always played a big role for the 21-year-old anyway. His dad Markus was a professional himself and played 76 times in the German Bundesliga (Unterhaching and Düsseldorf), scoring six goals in the process. "I was born into the scene and got a lot of support along the way," says Oberleitner, who always gets feedback from his dad after games. "That's also good to hear, as I know he's had a lot of experience in this area."

Oberleitner had frequent contact with Bayern superstar Jamal Musiala (left) as a youth player.

(Bild: Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

At youth level, Oberleitner played for Unterhaching, Bayern Munich and Augsburg. "Bayern is outstanding in terms of the whole environment and the conditions, even at youth level. When you say you play for them, you're always amazed," laughs the German, who still knows some of the stars. "I played together with Malik Tillman from PSV Eindhoven. And Jamal Musiala was a year below me, we used to chat every now and then. A super kicker!"