Sturm Graz aims to seize league top spot - Coach Ingolitsch

Home match against Austria Lustenau

Sturm Graz hosts Austria Lustenau on Saturday. Coach Fabio Ingolitsch sees the match-free week as a "giant chance" to take the league top spot with a win. The goal is clear: "We want the headlines on the weekend that Sturm Graz is at the top of the table."

Training focus of the last week

Ingolitsch emphasized that the last full training week was more focused on positional and individual training. "We have spent the last weeks very strongly on the team bond and tactics," he explained. The aim is to improve players in their positions and support them.

Home fortress and current form

Since taking over, Sturm has not lost a home game at the national level. The team has been unbeaten for 16 consecutive Bundesliga matches. With seven points from three games in the season start phase they are well placed in the table. The home advantage is an additional factor, as "when opponents see the black wall at warm-up, they know what it’s about."

Promoted Austria Lustenau

Ingolitsch describes Austria Lustenau as a "bold, cheeky promotion". He knows coach Markus Mader and sees the team as a mirror of the coach. Especially in transition play the team is "historically strong" and can deliver great counter-attacks.

Reinforcements and departures

Centre-back Jeyland Mitchell has left the squad since the season start. Ingolitsch calls him a "pillar" of the defence, missing speed, height and aerial strength. He is looking for a replacement with similar attributes, especially topspeed and height. In central midfield a transfer is also planned; Julian Halwachs from the second team has already been promoted, but an additional player is needed to cope with the long season.

Objective for the home match

Ingolitsch stresses that there is no "if and but": "We want to win tomorrow - and from the start, without a sluggish start."

Concrete detail

We are still looking for a replacement who brings similar attributes, who also has topspeed and some height. We have very exciting candidates and I hope we can realise what we imagine.