Lustenau kick-off

Full throttle is on the agenda right from the start

(Bild: Austria Lustenau)

Austria Lustenau started the new season with new coach Martin Brenner and 14 outfield players. Defender Matheus Lins was added to the squad as the Brazilian moved to Sherif Tiraspol.

New coach Martin Brenner kicked off preparations for the season with an intensive session on Monday morning. Academy players Frederic Flatz and Melih Akbulut as well as Stan Berkani and Axel Rouqette were among the newcomers, while three test players were also on the pitch. With Matheus Lins, Austria also had another departure to report. The 23-year-old Brazilian, who joined Lustenau from SW Bregenz in the winter, is moving to Moldovan champions Sherif Tiraspol. Lins had an exit clause and the transfer fee was not disclosed.

Central defender Kennedy Boateng, whose contract had expired anyway, is also leaving Austria. The Togolese will now play for Romanian first division club Dinamo Bucharest. "It's clear that we still need a central defender," emphasizes coach Martin Brenner, who would like to see different players in the attack in particular. His idea of playing with a high tempo and many passing options has already been implemented in the first training session. Brenner exemplifies impulsiveness on the sidelines. "It will be even more intense from next week," promises the coach, who has also scheduled two English weeks with four test matches.

Wait and see with Schierl
By then, the squad should also be filled decisively. It is still unclear whether goalkeeper Domenik Schierl will remain in Lustenau. The cult keeper was not present at yesterday's training kick-off. "The decision is still open, and I can't say until when it will be made," said sporting director Mirco Papaleo. Instead, the new assistant coach will be announced at a press conference in Lech on Thursday. The preferred candidate would have been Christoph Lessacher from Salzburgliga club SV Hallein. However, the 34-year-old declined and wants to stay in Salzburg.