Wien – As Austria prepares for their Bundesliga opener at the weekend, the focus shifts to securing a victory in the second qualifying round of the Conference League against FK Liepaja. The return match is set for Thursday (20:30 CET on ORF 1), and head coach Stephan Helm is expected to employ his rotation strategy once again.
‘We have laid down a good foundation, but the job is not yet done,’ Helm stated, emphasizing that despite the clear advantage from their previous win, Austria must remain vigilant. The team will face a crucial test as they look to maintain their momentum and ensure a consistent performance against Liepaja.
Defender Stefan Dragovic, who has been pivotal in recent matches, will miss this game due to injury. His absence could impact the defensive setup, but Helm is confident that the squad can adapt. The coach hinted at potential opponents for upcoming weeks, suggesting either Larnaka or Beitar as possible contenders.
In the offensive department, Johannes Eggestein continues to be the driving force for Austria. His contributions have been crucial in recent games, and his performance will be key as the team aims to secure a comfortable win against Liepaja.
Austria's next challenge is to convert their early lead into a solid position in the Conference League, ensuring that they can focus on domestic competitions with confidence.
