Consistently Dominating the Bundesliga for Seven Consecutive Seasons:
Living the Dream Despite the Struggles: WSG Tirol's Rise in the Austrian Bundesliga
At first glance, the dazzling jerseys of WSG Tirol may suggest a club filled with glitz and glamour. However, the reality underneath is far from that.
The shimmering crystals on the jerseys serve as a reminder of a bygone era when football in Tyrol was a golden age, courtesy of Swarovski.
5,551 Fans: Wacker Sets a Record in the 4th LeagueNow, it's all about grit and determination at WSG Tirol. Two invaluable qualities that have propelled this underdog club to become a well-established Bundesliga team.
With a 4-1 away win against Austria Klagenfurt, WSG securing early promotion to the 2025/26 season is nothing short of impressive.
Captain Valentino Müller expressed pride after the triumphant success against the new bottom team, emphasizing the tough qualifying group they had to face.
WSG's prowess lies in its ability to thrive in the most challenging conditions with minimal resources.
The Ageless
"Only those who have truly been with WSG can comprehend what it means to play in the Bundesliga under the conditions we have," says WSG coach Philipp Semlic. "Now that I've experienced it myself, I can vouch for it. It's aged me a few years this year."
Semlic is a living testament to WSG's success. He took over from long-time coach Thomas Silberberger, facing a significant inheritance. But he had one crucial advantage over many of his counterparts - the calm within the club.
It's no coincidence that out of the four relegation candidates - WSG Tirol, Altach, GAK, and Austria Klagenfurt - the team that secured early promotion is the one that kept its coach and avoided unnecessary turmoil.
The Team of the Rejected
Stefan Köck, WSG's manager for years, has a knack for forming a team from the castoffs and the discarded. This strategy has earned recognition. Players like Jamie Lawrence and Jonas David, who've played for German youth national teams, weren't options for WSG in the past.
"The team has character. This promotion means a lot to me," says manager Stefan Köck, who also got to celebrate as a father. His son, David Jaunegg (22), played 20 Bundesliga games for WSG this season.
WSG Tirol may lack resources, but it's never short on resilience and spirit. Their story is a testament to the power of determination and innovation against all odds.
- The Tyrolean players of WSG boast their ability to excel under challenging conditions, just as their captain did following the 4-1 win against Austria Klagenfurt.
- Coach Philipp Semlic, after inheriting WSG from Thomas Silberberger, acknowledges that working under the club's conditions has aged him this season, a testament to its unique nature.
- WSG Tirol, despite lacking resources, never falls short on resilience and spirit, a trait exemplified by their early promotion to the 2025/26 season.
- Manager Stefan Köck, renowned for forming teams from castoffs, has successfully integrated players like Jamie Lawrence and Jonas David into WSG Tirol's squad, players who've previously represented German youth national teams.
