Andreas Ratschiller, captain of Lana. © Andrea Giacomelli

After relegation has been sealed: Lana's captain speaks plainly

There are still six rounds left in the league. But it is already clear: Lana has to go to the national league. It was a very complicated year for the Burggräfler. We spoke to the captain.

05 April 2024

From: det

SV Lana was not to be envied in this league season. The Burggräfler have only collected five points so far and have lost 21 of 24 games. Six games before the end of the season, it is now mathematically certain that the White Reds have to go to the national league. “We knew from the start that it would be brutally difficult this year,” says Lana’s captain Andreas Ratschiller.

Short review. Last summer there were several blows in Lana. After a few, sometimes very successful years in the top league, 17 players left the club in one fell swoop. “Our long-time coach Kurt Forer built an outstanding core that stuck together really well for years. A few players from this core then announced their departure, which triggered a chain reaction,” says Ratschiller and adds: “We as a club certainly made mistakes and reacted too late.”

Goalkeeper Daniele Lazzaro was one of the few Lana players with major league experience, but even he couldn't prevent relegation. © Andrea Giacomelli

In Lana they were faced with a fundamental decision. “Should we make it big again or should we give our young players the chance? As a club, we decided on the second option,” said Ratschiller. This meant that a team was sent to the league championship, which consisted largely of very young Lana talents who had hardly any experience at combat team level. “After the upheaval, we were aware that it would be three or four tough years. We see this season as a learning year,” explains Ratschiller.

“Our focus is already on the state league.” Andreas Ratschiller

At the same time, the captain – who also helps out in the club – praises his teammates. “The boys are extremely hard-working, always come to training and give full throttle even when they are 0-3 down in the game. “That makes me very positive for the future,” said the midfielder. Speaking of next year: the planning has already started a long time ago.

Michael Passler (left), Lana's young boy. © Andrea Giacomelli

“Our focus has been on next year’s state league for a few weeks now. The quality there has really increased in recent years. We want to find our way and have nothing to do with relegation for the first time. “We want to build something for the future,” says Ratschiller, who doesn’t yet know whether he will also be active as a player next year.

Firecracker in the Pustertal and Vinschgau

But first there are still six match days left - and there is still a lot at stake in the top league. The top game of the 25th round takes place in Tramin, where the home team (currently in 3rd place) meets league leader Lavis. From a South Tyrolean perspective, the Bruneck city derby between St. Georgen and Stegen is particularly interesting, while the duel between Bozner FC and Obermais is also explosive.

Dominik Lercher (left, St. Georgen) and Noah Tinkhauser (Stegen) face each other on Sunday. © David Laner

In the regional league all eyes will be on Vinschgau. This is where the sensational second place (Latsch) and the third place (Bruneck) meet. Meanwhile, leaders Brixen want to take another step towards the championship title with a victory over bottom team Ridnauntal.

Oberliga, 25th matchday (Sunday, 15.30:XNUMX p.m.)

Bozner FC – Obermais
St. Georgen – Stegen
Anaune – Partschins
Comano-Lana
Naturns – Levico
Rovereto - St. Paul's
Tramin – Lavis
Vipo Trento – Dro

State league, 23th matchday

Saturday, 16 p.m
Gitschberg Jochtal – St. Martin Moos
Schenna – Kiens

18 pm
Milland – Terlano

Sunday, 15.30 a.m
Ahrntal – Riffian Kuens
Selection Ridnaun Valley – Brixen
Latsch – Bruneck
Salurn – Val Gardena
Ahead Leifers – South Wine Route