Football Frenzy: Austria Klagenfurt teeters on the brink of economic and sporting chaos
On the brink of departure: Pacult's potential Bundesliga exit
The LASK is currently riding high after a resounding 6:0 victory over Austria Klagenfurt, extending their lead at the top of the football Bundesliga qualification group. Yet, the atmosphere isn't all celebratory, as sounds of discontent are growing louder against CEO Siegmund Gruber. Altach, on the other hand, sparked hope with a 3:0 win over WSG Tirol, closing the gap with Klagenfurt but languishing in last place.
- Victorious LASK tramples Austria Klagenfurt
The Grazers, having drawn 1:1 in Hartberg the previous day, are now level on points with Klagenfurt but find themselves in last place due to the latter's points being rounded down after the regular season. Meanwhile, the LASK's lowered points mean they can't be surpassed by the Hartbergers, who trail by twelve points.
With this, the Upper Austrians have secured their place in the Europa League play-off semifinals. "We played fantastic football for the entire 90 minutes," exulted Maximilian Ritscher, refraining from commenting on the calls for Gruber's resignation. The fans have labeled Gruber as an "eccentric and egomaniac," but Ritscher maintains the focus was on the sporting aspect.
Meanwhile, Austria Klagenfurt is grappling with troubles of a different nature. Struggling for just one point in the last five rounds, the specter of relegation looms large. Before they tackle GAK away on Friday, they face the daunting task of justifying their lackluster performance in Linz. "That was not Bundesliga-worthy from us today," admitted midfielder Christopher Cvetko.
Since the license was not granted in the initial bid, Klagenfurt's fortunes have nosedived. "The recent events cannot be ignored," acknowledged coach Peter Pacult, hinting at potential turmoil behind the scenes. Financial relief is expected to come from sponsor TGI AG, and whispers of a Champions League campaign have started circulating.
However, Pacult questions the wisdom of bringing TGI AG into the spotlight too early. "Whether it was prudent to announce the new money provider so publicly is up for debate. It wasn't beneficial," Pacult opined. Pacult's future has become uncertain, with Carsten Jancker, favored by the new sponsor, being mentioned as a possible replacement. Business manager Günther Gorenzel has remained tight-lipped about Pacult's fate, while the coach himself commented, "No one needs to stand behind me, better in front of me. It's risky behind me."
In seventh place, Altach promised not to end up in last place after their "long-awaited" first home win in eight months. "It will be decided at the end," insisted coach Fabio Ingolitsch. WSG Tirol, on the other hand, has slid back into the relegation battle, holding a two-point advantage over GAK. "We need to accept it and work on it. We're not disheartened," asserted coach Philipp Semlic.
- The LASK, riding high after their superbly played 6:0 victory over Austria Klagenfurt, remain unsurpassable in the Europa League play-off semifinals despite the points decrease.
- Meanwhile, Austria Klagenfurt, barely managing one point in the last five rounds, is in danger of relegation, with midfielder Christopher Cvetko admitting their performance in Linz was not up to Bundesliga standards.
- The financial problems of Austria Klagenfurt have intensified after the delayed granting of their license, with sponsor TGI AG expected to provide relief and rumors of a Champions League campaign circulating. However, coach Peter Pacult questions the wisdom of announcing the new money provider so publicly.
- Despite Altach's 3:0 win over WSG Tirol, they still languish in last place, but coach Fabio Ingolitsch remains hopeful, stating that the final decision will be made at the end of the season. WSG Tirol, holding a two-point advantage over GAK, has sliding back into the relegation battle.
