Hannes Außerhofer is fighting for crucial points with Brixen. © A. Giacomelli

Brixen in distress: "Everything is difficult to walk on"

SSV Brixen is currently facing major problems in the Oberliga. The team from Brixen is fighting to avoid relegation. Coach Manuel Sullmann explains the reasons for their current slump in form in an interview.

07 November 2025

From: av/cst

Only three points from the last seven games: What's not working for SSV Brixen right now?

Manuel Sullmann: “The big problem is that we're conceding too many goals (Brixen has conceded 17 goals in ten games, the same as Gröden and St. Pauls; only St. Georgen has conceded more with 19). We absolutely have to stop that. Apart from the defeat against Levico, which was completely deserved, we weren't outmatched by any opponent. But: We never had the decisive moments on our side. We have to improve in those decisive moments. The goals we concede are too easy.”


The table is extremely tight, anyone can beat anyone – how do you plan to turn things around?

"The championship is even more balanced than last year, the quality is high in my opinion, all clubs have their strengths. There isn't a single team that's lagging behind in terms of performance. As far as we're concerned, we can only get out of this tricky situation together. Everyone still needs to do their part, from the players to the coaches and everyone involved in the club. If that happens, then I'm convinced we'll pull through in the end."


The remaining schedule is proving difficult; apart from Gröden, all opponents are from the top half of the table – an insignificant factor at this moment?

"Exactly. It doesn't matter who we play against: we have to take it one game at a time and focus only on ourselves. We start every game at 0-0, so it's a 50-50 situation. If we continue to perform like this and force our luck, then we'll get full points again."

"Staying in the league? I am fully convinced of it, otherwise I would be the wrong man." Manuel Sullmann, coach SSV Brixen

They dramatically saved Brixen last year. Can they do it again this year?

"I am fully convinced of it; otherwise, I would be the wrong man in the wrong place. The players want to, are doing, and are giving their all. It's a phase where everything is difficult. But together we will get through it. Eventually, the long-term injured players Mlakar (torn adductor tendon) and Mellarini (torn cruciate ligament) will also be back, and then we will have more options again."

Oberliga: 11th matchday

Comano – Mori (Saturday, 15 p.m.)
Ahrntal – Union Trient (Sunday, 2:30 pm)
Bozner FC – Tramin
Brixen – Virtus Bozen
Lavis – Benacense
Partschins – Val Gardena
Rovereto – Levico
St. Pauls – St. Georgen

State league: 11th matchday

Bruneck – South Wine Route (Saturday, 14.30:XNUMX p.m.)
Lana – Salurn
Gitschberg Jochtal – Natz (Saturday, 15 p.m.)
Schenna – Tscherms Marling (Saturday, 3:30 p.m.)
Freienfeld – Gargazon (Sunday, 2:30 p.m.)
Olympia Merano – Naturno
Stegen – Laces
First of all, Leifers – Terlano