No danger

Austria Lustenau in the (striker) crisis

Austria Lustenau got absolutely nothing from Vienna.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Austria Lustenau created practically no goalscoring chances in their 3-0 defeat at the Hohe Warte against Vienna. The Green-Whites are feeling helpless. The offense has been lacking all season, but this time the defense was also overwhelmed.

If you include the cup game against Hartberg, Austria have already gone three games without scoring. The last goal dates back to the match against SV Ried on October 18, when Seydou Diarra gave them a 1-0 lead. In attack, Lustenau embody pure harmlessness. Which gives food for thought: While chances were missed at the beginning of the season, the team now hardly gets any opportunities. A harmless header from Seifedin Chabbi - that was all Austria had to offer offensively against Vienna. "We were inferior in every respect," was the sobering summary from captain Pius Grabher.

Austria captain Pius Grabher had clear words.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

However, the harmless attack is just one of Lustenau's problems - albeit an intensive one. The midfield lacks assertiveness and ideas. The build-up play is far too sluggish and transparent. Vienna coach Mehmet Sütcü put it in a nutshell. "We knew exactly what Lustenau had in mind." The opponents have now adapted perfectly to Austria and are aware of the Green-Whites' (non-)game. And the defense, which had previously concealed many weaknesses, was also overwhelmed by the lively attacking forces. Only the currently rather frustrated goalkeeper Domenik Schierl ("The table doesn't lie") can be relied upon.

Slow and safe
TV analyst Roman Mählich, who himself has a past as Austria coach, criticized the slowness in the build-up play and the lack of danger in Lustenau's play. The complete lack of danger from set-pieces, for example, is striking. They are almost like a gift for the opponents. One consolation from former coach Mählich: "But I still don't think Lustenau are in serious danger of relegation." The international break provides an opportunity to analyze the current unsatisfactory situation in detail and make adjustments. Everyone is called upon to do this: the coach, the players and those responsible for the sport.