Sturm's big chance

Bulls insider: “Salzburg are now insecure!”

Just like in the Cup: Sturm want to win again in Salzburg!(Bild: GEPA)

The day has come! Sunday (17) sees the big league summit against league leaders Sturm in Salzburg. For the home side, only a win counts in the title race, otherwise the championship trophy will probably no longer be up for grabs from the Ilzer squad. Former Bull Christoph Leitgeb on the crisis in the Bulls' stable.

With David Affengruber, Jusuf Gazibegovic, Stefan Hierländer and Alexander Prass, Sturm have a number of ex-Salzburgers in their team. But one player really knows what makes the Bulls tick: Christoph Leitgeb! The Graz native played in the city of Mozart from 2007 to 2019, celebrating ten league titles with the league dominators: The competition only upset the serial champions three times: "Rapid were champions once, then Sturm and Austria," recalls the 39-year-old, who now works as a scout for his black team.

He knows what it was like in Salzburg. "The title is always a must there, and in my time there were one or two speeches from former sports director Christoph Freund and co. when we fell short of expectations. That's when things got louder," smiles the former midfielder.

The Bulls are up to their necks in anticipation of the big match. "We're in the flow, which is a big advantage. There is a certain insecurity in Salzburg, the looseness is gone, the sovereignty that has always characterized them is currently missing. After the change of coach, they played a good game, but then immediately got knocked on the head again - that does something to your head," believes the ex-bull.

Christoph Leitgeb (right) from Graz won ten league titles with Salzburg.(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

The defending champions promptly unpacked martial words ahead of the showdown. "Sturm have the pressure now, we are the hunters and we will chase Graz," the Bulls bared their teeth.

"Have the necessary looseness"
Doesn't really bother the Blacks. "We're extremely focused, we've got the necessary composure that you need in the final sprint for the title and we're looking forward to the big game. We're still the underdogs in this clash, Salzburg are the big favorites. But we have managed to send the league giants reeling - now we have four rounds to bring them down," emphasizes coach Christian Ilzer, who can achieve great things with his team on Sunday. "Salzburg certainly have all the pressure, with a win we can finally put an end to the defending champions. They won't make up six points afterwards, and Sturm still have two home games in hand," Leitgeb is convinced.