Anticipation in Dornbirn

“This game is a gift for all of us”

FC Dornbirn goalkeeper Raphael Morscher will have his work cut out for him in the cup tie against Red Bull Salzburg.(Bild: Peter Weihs/Kronenzeitung)

"Honestly? It's a great experience for the players to be able to play against Red Bull Salzburg," said FC Dornbirn coach and sporting director Eric Orie ahead of today's competitive match in the first round of the ÖFB Cup for his players. "This game is a gift for us." One that is gladly accepted.

But they don't want to hand out gifts at the Birkenwiese. It doesn't matter that they have only been training for just over two weeks. And they have only played one test match so far - a 4:2 win against elite league side FC Wolfurt, in which new signing Tamas Herbaly scored three times and Lorenz Rusch once.

There is great anticipation in Dornbirn for the cup tie against Red Bull Salzburg.(Bild: Peter Weihs/Kronenzeitung)

However, the team has only been in training for a good two weeks.(Bild: Peter Weihs/Kronenzeitung)

Eric Orie and his assistant coach Abu Gerdi have done a great job so far.(Bild: Peter Weihs/Kronenzeitung)

The Salzburg game is a new start for the team.(Bild: Peter Weihs/Kronenzeitung)

One player who will inevitably be in the spotlight today is Dornbirn keeper Raphael Morscher. "I've often been asked about my role in this game in the last few days," the 25-year-old reveals with a grin. "Of course Salzburg are a very strong team. But I don't think the game will only take place in front of my goal, we'll also be able to stand up to them and show the odd attacking move."

Hoping for the Rothosen fans
Orie and Morscher also have high hopes for the fans. "We absolutely need their support," they both agree. Tickets are still available at the box office (also at Dornbirner Ach).

"I hope we can get off to a decent start after everything that's happened in recent months and make a good new beginning," says Orie optimistically.