8/8/2024
"Excited to Reunite with Our Fans"
The LASK kicks off their home season at the Raiffeisen Arena with a match against SCR Altach on Saturday at 5:00 PM. On Thursday, head coach Thomas Darazs and captain Robert Zulj addressed the media at the pre-match press conference. We've summarized the key statements.
Head coach Thomas Darazs talks about...
...the start of the home season (secure tickets now):
"It could be a complicated game, and we need to be prepared for various scenarios. However, I'm feeling optimistic. We're really looking forward to seeing our fans again. I hope as many as possible come out, and with another win, we can get off to a good start this season. We want to try to bring our game onto the pitch as well as possible, but there are certainly a few things we need to improve compared to the match against Hartberg."
...the upcoming busy weeks:
"We're trying to keep the players as fresh as possible going into these intense weeks. I'm not a big fan of overburdening the team. I'm not too worried; I don't need to remind the players how to recover. And the more successes we have, the less fatigue we'll feel."
...the recently injured players:
Tomas Tavares: "He's started training with us again, and we'll see how he handles the load. The decision on whether he'll be involved is still up in the air."
Maximilian Entrup: "He doesn't have a serious injury but still has pain in his knee. There's no need to worry about him. We'll be patient; I'm the last one to put pressure on him. The important thing is that he gradually works through the pain, gains confidence in his knee, and then we'll have a lot of joy with him."
Jerome Boateng: "It's slowly getting better. This is the first full week of training he's completed. His movement patterns are looking good, and if things continue this way, he'll be ready to join us in the near future. He has all the time he needs; I'd rather he take ten extra days than return a few days too soon."
...the internal goals:
"We're very clear in our approach. Every new player brings a new dynamic to the group. You can't set goals or visions until everyone is on board. The focus is clearly on performance and improving from the last match. Once the transfer window closes, we'll have time to sit down together and see what the overall picture is and how we can move closer to it."
...the acclimatization period for new players:
"It takes some time for the players to understand our ideas. They need to not only learn my concepts but also react to what happens on the pitch. How do Marin Ljubicic, Robert Zulj, or George Bello want to receive the ball? Here we're talking about a certain socio-affectivity, about getting to know each other better. We're giving our players this time, so we're keeping things low-key and focusing on what we can develop together."
Captain Robert Zulj talks about...
...the game:
"It won't be an easy match. We have to be prepared for the possibility that the team might sit deep, and we'll need to be patient. There are various scenarios, and hopefully, we'll find the right key to secure the three points."
...the new signings:
"We help wherever we can off the pitch. The important thing is to be there for the guys, to shorten the initial adjustment period so they can feel comfortable quickly. Together with the coaching staff, we want to integrate them into the team so they can become match-fit as soon as possible and help us."
...the home opener:
"What I'm looking forward to most is the fans. We hope for a full stadium and a good performance, so we can start strong with a second win and keep all our players healthy."
...the start of the season:
"The most important thing was that we advanced confidently against Gurten. In Hartberg, we had phases with good moments, but we still want to improve and be more dominant. Ultimately, we won in Hartberg with an average performance, which is a good sign. We’re staying calm and giving the players who aren't fit yet the time they need. We'll be happy when everyone is back, and we have a squad that's very strong for the Austrian league."
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