Only one from the trio Schlager / Pervan / Bachmann is in the goal at the EM
The number one question in the Austrian national soccer team will probably remain unanswered for a long time. Team boss Franco Foda recently announced that he might make his decision shortly before the first European Championship match on June 13 in Bucharest against North Macedonia. The three contenders Alexander Schlager, Pavao Pervan and Daniel Bachmann deal with this situation calmly and emphasized the mutual respect on Monday in the ÖFB team camp in Bad Tatzmannsdorf.
In the last three international matches in March, Schlager was in goal, but could not do any great self-promotion. “I would have preferred the last course to have been positive, but that was not the case. You have to go through phases like this as a professional and still keep going,” said the Salzburg native.
The fact that there will probably be uncertainty about the regular goalkeeper for longer triggers mixed feelings at Schlager. “In principle, it is always more pleasant if you know earlier. But in the end you get used to it when you find out who is playing at relatively short notice before a match.”
Among other things, the tournament experience speaks for Schlager – the 25-year-old has already participated in four junior finals and completed eleven appearances. “The tournament experience certainly helps, although it has to be said that the EM is another level,” explained Schlager.
Currently none of the trio is in pole position, emphasized the LASK goalkeeper. “Everyone gets involved, then we'll see how the team boss decides.” According to Schlager, the competition is carried out respectfully. “We are to a certain extent dependent on each other in training and get on well with each other. It is important that the person who plays is supported.”
Bachmann also emphasized the good relationship between the goalkeepers. “We get along very well,” said the Lower Austrian, who jumped on the EM train thanks to Corona. A year ago he still lacked the operating times, since then he has been promoted to Watford regular goal. “I wouldn't have had a chance in 2020, the postponement helped me. Now I'm in and I want to play.”
According to his own statements, Bachmann is bursting with self-confidence. “The last few months could not have gone better at club level with the promotion to the Premier League and my personal achievements. Going to the European Championship now is the icing on the cake.”
When asked what speaks for him as an ÖFB Einsergoalie, Bachmann said: “I don't need to advertise myself. I played a very good season at the club and handed in my business card.” Bachmann also said: “I can't remember any mistake I made this season.”
That is why he does not see his regular position at Watford in danger. “I will definitely start the season as number one. We are well positioned at the club with the goalkeepers, I can't imagine anything else going on,” said the 26-year-old, who is still waiting for his national team debut .
A premiere in the test match on Wednesday in Middlesbrough against England would have a special charm for Bachmann, after all, he has lived on the island for ten years. “It would be great to make a debut against England. My wife is from England and my children were born there,” said Bachmann.
But Pervan also expects a chance to play against the English and later at the European Championship, after all, he was allowed to show his skills in six international matches in the autumn and was not to blame for anything. “I was very happy with my personal performance. Unfortunately, I couldn't continue playing at the club straight away,” said the 33-year-old.
In contrast to Schlager and Bachmann, Pervan lacks playing practice. At Wolfsburg he made four appearances in the past season, this calendar year the former LASK goalkeeper was only on the field in one competition match.
Since moving to VfL, Pervan has had to line up behind Koen Casteels. “But I've played a total of 34 games in the last three years, it's like a Bundesliga season,” emphasized Pervan. “It's not that I just sat on the bench for three years. Sure, it would be better if I played every week. But I hope the people who called me up have thought of something and not just numbers looked. “
The seven-time ÖFB team player deliberately refrains from big sayings. “I'm not the type to throw around and praise myself with big words. I try to show on the pitch why I'm the right choice.” If he wasn't chosen, “the world wouldn't end either, even if I'd like to play, of course,” said Pervan. The German legionnaire thinks team boss Foda is in a pleasant position. “I don't think anyone would go wrong with any of us.”
