WSG Tirol is caught in a spiral of relegation and has not yet won a win this season. Even so, you don't panic when you're at the bottom of the pack
When Raffael Behounek was asked for a Sky interview on Sunday after the 5-0 defeat against Sturm Graz, nothing was noticeable of the negative characteristics that the WSG Tirol players are often accused of this season. “We are too nice, too sweet and too good,” complains the Wattener sports director Stefan Köck for weeks, but he probably did not mean the WSG defense chief.
“This idea was bottomless. Something is very wrong, ”said Raffael Behounek. “A couple of players should really ask themselves whether they want to show up for training on Monday.”
“Some players should really start questioning themselves!” @ WSGTIROL defender Raffael #Behounek does not mince words after the 5-0 defeat against @SKSturm. #SkyBuliAT #STUWSG https://t.co/inb7CUCS9N
– Sky Sport Austria (@SkySportAustria) September 19, 2021
The public verbal attack by the defender was preceded by the 14th league game in a row that the Tyroleans could not win. A few months ago, WSG Tirol was the highly praised surprise team of the previous season as a participant in the championship group.
Before the start of the league, coach Thomas Silberberger raved that the squad would have become even stronger over the summer. So far, the WSG has actually presented a courageous and thoroughly entertaining offensive football.
“But at the moment we are lacking the determination in front and behind,” complains Stefan Köck. In Graz, too, the Tyroleans left high-profile chances with a score of 0-0, only to allow themselves hair-raising mistakes on the defensive. “I expect more resistance, we have to be disgusting,” demands the sports director, who called his team on again on Monday. “Because we don't win anything by being nice.”
Looking for a striker
However, the negative run at the WSG does not trigger panic or actionism. “You shouldn't over-dramatize it now,” says Köck. The sports director is much more concerned about Tobias Anselm's serious injury. The U-21 team striker is out for a long time with a torn cruciate ligament. That is why the Tyroleans will once again become active on the transfer market and look for a striker without a contract who a) is affordable and b) can help quickly. “We should react,” says Köck.
WSG striker Tobias Anselm is out for months with a cruciate ligament tear
During the debate on Monday, which also included harsher words, not only was the interview with Raffael Behounek the topic, but the Tyrolean playground was also discussed. “I cannot approve of a player denying the quality of his colleagues,” said sports director Köck in the direction of Raffael Behounek. At the same time, he also praised the extroverted Viennese's leadership qualities. “He is making good progress and was our best player in the first eight rounds.”
Despite the negative experiences and results, the Tyroleans do not want to turn away from the offensive style of play. The team insists on continuing on this path. And that's exactly what head coach Thomas Silberberger wanted. “We're not barricading ourselves in front of the gate with two double-decker buses. I would deny myself. “
