Peter Unteregelsbacher has had a turbulent year. © David Laner

Reischach's coaching legend: “Even my wife had to suffer”

Already one match day before the end of the 1st Amateur League group, Reischach was the first relegated team. 1 points in 17 games are and were not enough to keep the league.

June 01, 2023

By: Christian Morandell

In the first half of the season, coach Peter Unteregelsbacher's team scored 9 points, and in the second half it was even one point less. The 63-year-old tells us why it wasn't enough to stay in the league, what's going on with Reischach and what he's planning for the next season SportNews-Interview.

At the end of this season, Reischach had to bite the bullet with only 17 points and make the bitter transition to the 2nd amateur league. What were the reasons for this?

Peter Unteregelsbacher: “There are many reasons for this and also errors. Starting with me as a coach, up to the club and then on to the players, everyone made mistakes.”


What mistakes did coach Peter Unteregelsbacher make?

“I agreed to join Reischach at the beginning of last season, but then I honestly didn’t care enough about the squad. I should have been more actively involved in squad planning in order to bring one or two players to Reischach. In the second half of the season, a few new players from the partner club Bruneck were added, but they couldn't do any miracles in the difficult situation we found ourselves in, also because some players were plagued by numerous and long-term injuries. But as I said, when you get relegated, everyone makes mistakes: coach, club and players. I had already worked in Reischach twice before this year and, based on my previous experiences, I relied too much on the sporting club environment.”

Reischach has to go to the 2nd amateur league.

How much did the relegation bother you?

“Very much so, because I am now 63 years old and I have never been relegated from the first amateur league as a player or as a coach. That bothered me throughout the season when we never got away from behind, and the situation in the table also gave me sleepless nights. During such nights my wife also had to suffer when you turn from left to right and back again and instead of sleeping your mind is on football.”


What's next for Reischach?

“We had a final training session this week. I think I parted ways with Reischach on good terms. After training, the team ate pizza and kebab together in the dressing room and reflected on the year. The club will continue in the 2nd amateur league. In my opinion, it won't be any easier for Reischach because there are relatively few young people coming along. In some other clubs, four to five players often come along and then the club has a core again for ten years. I don’t see it that way with Reischach.”


Who will you be on the sidelines for next season?

“Nobody to date. There is also no offer. To be honest, I'm fine with taking a break for a while. I retired in the fall of last year and now I have more time. But switching off from football for a while wouldn't be a bad option for me either. Recharge your batteries and then get back to something football-related.”