2023-08-14 16:11:33
After a break of only two days, Sturm Graz is back in action on Tuesday (8.30 p.m. / live ORF 1). In the second leg of the Champions League qualifier, the goal is to come back from a 4-1 deficit at home against PSV Eindhoven. “We have to appear with conviction and energy and be ready for the big challenge. We have our chances in the ‘football miracle’ area. We have to go into the game optimistically,” said coach Christian Ilzer on Monday.
The Sturm coach does not assume that PSV will underestimate his team due to the clear starting position. “I’m not going to speculate, that would be the wrong approach. We’re expecting an opponent who has all the qualities of a top European team.” PSV head coach Peter Bosz stated that he should not underestimate the opponent. “The match hasn’t been played yet, it starts at 0-0. We want to win every game,” emphasized the 59-year-old. When asked if he would start with the strongest eleven, Bosz gave a resounding “yes”.
For Sturm, any early opening goal should be the “initial spark” for a possible comeback. “As long as there’s a shred of realistic chance in play, we’ll go all in. I’m sure everyone will want to show great willingness, energy and quality – it’s a huge challenge.” With the exception of the injured Manprit Sarkaria, the entire squad is available to Ilzer.
The 1: 4 in Eindhoven – by the way, the EL home game against PSV also ended with this result in September 2021 – has been worked up and ticked off. “You can’t overstate things and you can’t overcomplicate things, but they have to be conveyed to the team in a very clear way in order for there to be a better performance. There are certain things that need to be pointed out, not looking for excuses, but the to work through the essential defining points.”
Stefan Hierländer is also aware of the great task. “Of course, the deficit is very high at first glance. But we want to give Eindhoven a challenge with a good game and the support of our fans,” said the Sturm captain about the game in front of a crowd that was not sold out and around 12,000 fans were expected. “In this game, where the starting position isn’t the best, we’re counting on the 12th man in particular.” The leaders in the team are particularly in demand. “They have to go ahead now, but the main goal is to play with passion and make a good game.”
There was nothing to gain in the first leg in the Netherlands last week. In the duel between the two runners-up, Eindhoven was “simply one or two classes stronger” according to reservist Jakob Jantscher. “The team has so much quality that they would have finished us even if you bunkered,” explained the striker, who has only been allowed to make a brief appearance in the ÖFB Cup this season.
The dress rehearsal for the new edition failed Sturm on Saturday. Against Austria Klagenfurt they couldn’t get more than 0-0 at home in the Bundesliga. PSV, on the other hand, beat Utrecht 2-0 in the Eredivisie opener at home. Winger Noa Lang was ailing after that, and a decision on his assignment in Graz should be made after the final training session on Monday evening.
No matter how the second leg ends – there is a continuation of the European season for Sturm, because in the event of an out, Graz would continue in the Europa League group phase.
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