Blau-Weiß Linz Stages Dramatic Comeback in Köllner’s Debut – Urgent Breaking News
WELS, AUSTRIA – In a thrilling start to their winter preparation for the 2025/26 season, Bundesliga strugglers FC Blau-Weiß Linz battled back from a 2-0 deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against 2nd League side FC HOGO Hertha Wels. The match marked the highly anticipated debut of new head coach Michael Köllner, offering a first glimpse into his vision for the Upper Austrian club. This breaking news provides a crucial update for fans eager to see how Linz will approach their fight to climb the Bundesliga table. This game is a key indicator for SEO and Google News tracking of the team’s progress.
Köllner’s First Test: A Tale of Two Halves
The match, played on the artificial turf of the Huber Arena, saw Hertha Wels take an early lead through Sebastian Malinowski in the 11th minute. Andrija Bosnjak extended their advantage with a penalty in the 69th minute, seemingly putting the game beyond Linz’s reach. However, Köllner’s side demonstrated resilience, launching a spirited comeback fueled by goals from Paul Mensah (71st minute) and Christopher Cvetko (83rd minute). Cvetko’s goal, in particular, proved vital, ensuring Köllner avoided a defeat in his first outing.
Massive Squad Rotation & Tactical Insights
Köllner opted for a comprehensive squad rotation, utilizing a total of 23 players throughout the match. He made a complete change at halftime, with only defender Martin Moormann remaining on the pitch. This strategy allowed the coach to assess a wide range of players and experiment with different combinations. The extensive use of substitutes highlights Köllner’s commitment to building squad depth – a critical factor for any team battling relegation. This is a common practice in winter friendlies, but the sheer number of changes suggests a thorough evaluation process is underway.
Looking Ahead: The Road to 2026 & Beyond
Beyond this immediate result, the friendly serves as a crucial stepping stone towards the competitive season. Linz faces LASK in the Uniqa ÖFB Cup quarter-finals on January 30th, 2026, a match that will undoubtedly be a focal point for fans. The team will also embark on a training camp in Belek, Turkey, from January 14th to January 22nd, 2026, providing a valuable opportunity to refine tactics and build team cohesion. Further test matches are scheduled against FC Zlin and FK Cukaricki in Turkey, followed by a clash against Admira Wacker upon their return.
Köllner’s Post-Match Assessment: “A Tough Week”
Speaking after the match, Köllner acknowledged the challenges posed by the week’s intensive training schedule. “After eight training sessions this week, it was clear that we would have a hard time in this game,” he stated. He also highlighted the team’s early opportunities and the importance of learning from their mistakes. The coach emphasized the positive aspect of avoiding injuries and the return of Alexander Briedl from illness, signaling a boost to the squad’s availability. Köllner’s pragmatic approach and focus on player well-being suggest a long-term strategy for success.
The draw against Hertha Wels isn’t just a result; it’s a statement. It’s a signal that Blau-Weiß Linz, under the guidance of Michael Köllner, is prepared to fight for every point in the upcoming season. The winter preparation, meticulously planned with a blend of friendly matches and intensive training, is laying the foundation for a potential turnaround. Fans can expect a team that is not only tactically astute but also physically and mentally resilient, ready to tackle the challenges of the Bundesliga and beyond. Keep checking archyde.com for the latest updates on Linz’s journey and comprehensive coverage of Austrian football.
