Demir
Barcelona face Salzburg today with Yusuf Demir. Austria icon Andi Ogris scored the last goal against “Barca”. He looks back and forward.
FC Barcelona is playing in Austria for the first time in 28 years. From 7 p.m., 29,200 fans will be there for the test hit against Austria's series champion Red Bull Salzburg in Wals-Siezenheim.
At the last “Barca” appearance in Austria, Andreas Ogris met Austria in 1993 with a stroke of genius by Ferserl. With his back to the goal, he scored 1: 1 in the Happel Stadium by Traumfersler. The Catalans won 2-1 with two goals from Hristo Stojtschkow, and rose 3-0 in the second leg in the third round of the Champions League.
“There was something,” grins Ogris in the “Today “ conversation. Today, the purple icon is particularly curious about ex-Rapidler Yusuf Demir, who will replace the vacationing Lionel Messi back in the starting line-up. “Yusuf did everything right with the move. Rapid, too. If it doesn't work, he'll return as a better player after a year,” said Ogris.
Demir's move from Rapid to Barcelona came as a surprise to the ex-dancing star. “Because Barcelona is one of the biggest clubs and one of the best addresses. They had him on the radar, watched him for a long time and have to be convinced of him.”
For Ogris, however, the transfer was the right one. “It's a huge challenge, but good for the boy. If Demir is smart, he'll suck up more than just Messi. He'll learn in every training session. For him, Barcelona is like a laboratory where he can mature.”
Ogris still sees deficits: “In footballing terms, he is top. But he has to be more robust, also make ways back. Spain is good because there is no honey licking.”
29 times Ogris stormed for Barcelona, but for Espanyol. “As a player from FC you have all rights in this great city. The people are fanatical. The value as a footballer is different from ours.” Postscript: “I hope that he will bite through. He can be a great kicker.”
Ogris is also excited about Salzburg. The bulls surprised him with a flawless start to the season. “Player gone, new coach. Everyone expected a bloodletting, but they give us the lie again. They kick superbly and march away from the first minute.”
After “Barca” Austria has to go to Salzburg on Sunday. “You can't lose anything, you have to stand compactly and increase with the task.” For the violet legend, the European Cup in Breidablik was no embarrassment. “Austria's eighth can lose to Iceland's fourth. But the question is how: I lacked the passion. There was no bite. Then that's a problem.”
