Sturm Graz kicks off the new season with question marks. The Austrian Bundesliga leaders with 38 points from 22 games (12 wins, 2 draws, 8 losses) must now face Hearts of Midlothian in the Champions League qualifier on Tuesday – and manager Fabio Ingolitsch is still scrambling for signings.
What’s going wrong?
The search for reinforcements is tougher than expected. Ingolitsch urgently needs a left-back to replace the departed Emir Karic and a target man to boost the attack. But the transfer market is tricky: inflation and the late World Cup have driven up prices, while Sturm Graz tightens its belt. „We’re cutting squad costs and streamlining structures to build reserves,“ a club official said.
Eight strikers are currently in the squad – too many, admits sporting director Michael Parensen. Ingolitsch is pushing for quick fixes: „The search is in full swing. We need more presence in the box, especially in tight spaces.“ Reports suggest the target man could be Nelson Weiper (21), who barely played for Mainz last season.
Who stood out in pre-season?
While Seedy Jatta – the club’s top scorer last season with four goals – is seen more as a hard worker than a pure finisher, returning striker Szymon Wlodarczyk is impressing. „He plays a big role in our plans,“ Ingolitsch said of the Pole, who was recently on loan. Bundesliga newcomers like Jürgen Heil (Hartberg) and Simon Seidl (Blau-Weiß Linz) also used the break to make their mark.
But not everything is smooth: the creative trio of Otar Kiteishvili (calf), Gizo Mamageishvili (back) and Filip Rozga (thigh injury) missed many sessions. „Our creative players weren’t fully on board in pre-season,“ Ingolitsch admitted. Kiteishvili and Mamageishvili featured in the 1-0 win over Pogon Szczecin, but the Georgian’s fitness for Tuesday remains uncertain. „Everyone knows Otar is the heartbeat of our play,“ Ingolitsch stressed.
Who’s out?
No longer in Sturm Graz’s plans are defenders Emanuel Aiwu and another unnamed player. The defense is a priority – but the budget is tight. With a 24-man squad and a goal difference of +7 (33 scored, 26 conceded), the focus is on closing gaps.
The league leaders sit one point clear of Red Bull Salzburg. Their next match is at Austria Wien on 10 October 2026. Ingolitsch remains hopeful – but the question marks linger.
