Europa League commencement looming for Red Bull Salzburg, as team faces mounting pressure
Red Bull Salzburg is gearing up for their Europa League campaign, with the opening match against FC Porto scheduled for September 25. However, the Austrian team is facing a series of challenges, both on the domestic and European fronts.
In the Bundesliga, the schedule after the Porto opener is grueling. An away trip to Lyon on October 2 and a home game against Ferencváros on October 23 promise tough encounters. Despite these challenges, Salzburg currently sits in second place in the league with 11 points from six games.
Coach Thomas Letsch is facing a double challenge: stabilizing form in the Bundesliga and competing against international top teams in the Europa League. The new league phase brings high-caliber opponents for Salzburg, including Aston Villa, Olympique Lyon, SC Freiburg, Ferencváros Budapest, FC Basel, Go Ahead Eagles, and FC Bologna.
The Europa League offers a significant financial incentive for Salzburg. Each win in the league phase could earn the team €450,000. As a starting bonus, Salzburg will receive €4.31 million. Additional bonuses are available for reaching the knockout round of the Europa League.
Unfortunately, Salzburg is grappling with a number of personnel issues. Forward Karim Onisiwo is battling a thigh injury, while striker Karim Konaté is out long-term with a cruciate ligament rupture. John Mellberg, Anri Chase, Takumu Kawamura, Valentin Sulzbacher, and Justin Omoregie are also injured. These injuries force tactical changes for Coach Letsch, and they offer opportunities for young players to step up.
The home game against Sturm Graz on September 18 will be a decisive indicator of Salzburg's form before the Europa League opener. The team has shown defensive vulnerability recently, as seen in the 2:2 draw against promoted Blau-Weiß Linz and the upcoming match against FC Porto.
Despite these challenges, midfielder Mads Bidstrup remains optimistic about Salzburg's chances in the Europa League, particularly in away matches against top teams. Lucas Gourna-Douath of Red Bull Salzburg is available despite transfer speculation, while Yorbe Vertessen received a medical clearance and will not miss games due to injury. However, Valentin Sulzbacher, who sustained an ankle injury during individual training, will not be part of the Europa League squad, potentially weakening the team for their European debut.
Salzburg aims to survive the winter and reach the knockout phase of the Europa League. With a mix of youth and experience, Coach Letsch and his team will be looking to overcome the challenges ahead and make a strong showing in Europe.
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