Coach and player: Jonas Unterkircher

The middle of the table suits ASV Schabs well

With 28 points, Schabs is securely in the middle of the table with 5 rounds to go. No danger can come from behind, and not much can come from the front either. A situation that the Eisacktal club can live with, also because there were some changes at the beginning of the season.

25 April 2024

From: chm

Jonas Unterkircher is new on the sidelines this season. The 29-year-old doesn't just give instructions off the field, he can also be found on the field when needed. Unterkircher tells us how the sports teacher assesses the season so far, whether Natz can expect help from his village rivals next weekend and how difficult it is to survive as a player-coach Sports News-Conversation.

Schabs is securely in the middle of the table 5 rounds before the end of the championship. Satisfied with what has been achieved so far?

“On the whole you can be satisfied. We were never in danger of relegation and it wasn't entirely clear at the beginning of the season whether we would make it, as some players had left the club and with Michael Überegger from Freienfeld - he now lives in Schabs - only one new and experienced player joined us has encountered. We had to use a large number of young players and introduce others to the first team. I would say we always had the situation quite well under control.”


In the preliminary round, Schabs scored 18 points. So far there are 10. Do there have to be 18 points in the second half of the season?

“I would say so. There are 5 rounds left to play. Of course it could be more than the missing 8 points.”

“We look primarily at ourselves and then at others.” Jonas Unterkircher

The game against league leaders Latzfons Verdings is on the agenda next weekend. Can we expect Schabs to provide support to village rivals Natz?

“I hadn't considered this train of thought until now (laughs). We basically go into every game to win. This will also be the case against Latzfons Verdings, regardless of whether we would provide support or not. We look primarily at ourselves and then at others. But I have a few injuries at the moment, some of whom could be fit again by the weekend. We’ll see how it turns out in the end.”


Goalkeeper and veteran Vladimir Birladeanu was not always in the starting lineup. Elias March was often preferred.

"That's correct. Elias March is one of the young players who has to and should take on responsibility this year. March played the majority of the games. Vladi supports the young goalkeeper with advice and support and that is immensely important. This way you can develop a young goalkeeper without any pressure and you still have the veteran at your back when needed.”


With Denis Birladeanu there is a second player with this last name in the squad this year.

“Yes, Denis is Vladimir’s brother and recently came to South Tyrol. Unfortunately, because of his work, it is not possible for him to always be there. But it was enough for some missions. This also gives him access to our people and allows him to integrate well.”

Schabs' assistant coach, who is in charge when Unterkircher himself is on the pitch: Andreas Hilber

How do you see the 1st Amateur League Group B?

“It's a very balanced league. For us, a league like this with so many games in the immediate vicinity is great.”


Does that mean there are a lot of derbies?

“I wouldn’t call these games derbies. For the club, I believe there is only one derby. This is the game against Natz. The other games are more duels between neighboring villages.”


This year they are relying on young people, sometimes out of necessity. Is this a football philosophy that you carry with you, or is it a requirement of the club or perhaps a mixture of these?

“Basically, I am completely in favor of having so many players from my own village on the field. This is not always possible. We also kept an eye out for one or two players from away. These negotiations fell through except for Michael Überegger and so you had to start the season with the players you had available. Some young players stepped up. I have to say that they all accepted the challenge and are training very diligently and with commitment. They have all improved quite a bit. In retrospect, it was actually the best thing that could have happened to us.”

“I usually only stand up when there is a real need” Jonas Unterkicher

You are coach and player in personal union. How difficult is that?

"It is not easy. But I'm lucky to have an assistant coach, Andreas Hilber, with whom I almost always agree. When I play, he manages the rest from the bench. This reduces the problems to a minimum. I usually only line up when there is a real need, otherwise I stay on the bench.”


In which position then?

"As I said. I play when necessary and then all positions except goalkeeper.”


Will Jonas Unterkircher and Andreas Hilber continue with Schabs into the next season?

“Most likely, yes. We have already spoken to the club and things should continue as before.”