A draw against Klagenfurt was dealt with and the anger faded. “Our demands have simply increased, our demands have changed,” Hartberg coach Marcus Schaub says. Annoying the league's biggest teams isn't enough; Challenging them – defeating them – is a new requirement. It should be possible against the storm today (2.30pm, Sky Live). Since the Hartbergers' promotion to the Bundesliga, Kroos have won just twice at the Proferdl Arena. “For us, duels with Sturm are always special games with a relaxed atmosphere.” In a completely sold-out arena with 5,024 spectators, it didn't matter that it was the Sturm fans who created the atmosphere today. “This is our ground and we have ambitions to win,” says Schaap. “In most cases we are fighting big teams.”
That's what the Hartbergers plan to do today. And Schopp knows exactly what his team expects – and explains this to them during a “good training week”. “We expect an incredibly hungry opponent. Sturm should have three points this time. We are ready for that,” said Schaap. At the end of the regular season, a 1-1 draw in the Styrian duel marked Hartberg's participation in the championship group. “Sturm has had an incredible season, “Can and would like to win two titles – and Grass is better than Salzburg this year,” said Schaap, handing roses to the club where he enjoyed the glorious Champions League stages as a player under coach Ivica Osim.
Sturm have been better this year – but Salzburg have different players
“Of all the principles that have distinguished Salzburg lately, Sturm is outstanding this year,” Schaap says. The Bulls still lead the table as Salzburg have more individual quality at one level or another. Keyword: difference player. Key word: Fernando – out of Salzburg until the end of the season. “Sturm knows what it means to her. “They shouldn't lose again this year,” Schaub says. Score six points against Hartberg and Klagenfurt in the championship group – but the Hartberg coach isn't saying that. However, for Sturm director Tommy Horvat, it's clear: “Salzburg will win a lot at the end of the season, so if we want to be champions we have to win too.”
Mozartstadt, who have won ten championships in a row recently, lost 1:3 at LASK, with the people of Graz dreaming of a first championship title since 2011. At least the Black and Whites can draw level with Salzburg on points if they win today. So coach Christian Ilzer's team have it in their hands. If the Styrians win all seven of their remaining matches in the Championship group and beat Salzburg by at least two goals, the championship title cannot be taken away from David Affengruber and co.
