New pitch in Flachau

In addition to the new pitch, the team should also thrive

The new showpiece of Flachau.(Bild: USC Flachau)

Flachau inaugurated the new pitch with their highest win of the season. The Pongau coach sees the club as a long-term project and wants to improve his team's play.

On fresh grass, the ball rolled particularly well for Flachau on Saturday and, above all, often into the opponent's goal. The team from Pongau recorded their highest win of the season in the 1st class south with a 6:0 victory over Saalbach. "It could have been even higher, but it's okay for the new pitch," smiled coach Bernd Tortik. His team played for the first time on the new natural turf (costing six figures), which is now replacing the ageing artificial turf. Although this was an advantage during winter preparation - which now takes place in Schladming - many players cursed injuries on the dull artificial turf. Ironically, three Flachau players suffered a muscle injury on the brand new pitch. "Nothing ever happened in the first spring games," said the coach in amazement.

Tortik has been on the touchline in Flachau since the summer. "We don't always want to hit high balls, we want to be playfully successful," says the 31-year-old. With the ex-Gollinger Anjo Huijberts, who scored twice on Saturday, there is a player with a lot of quality in the squad. Tortik is planning for the longer term and wants to see the team thrive as well as the pitch: "The environment is good. I can't remember such a well-organized lower league club."