System change: Things are working again at Ahrntal

Three games, nine points, 5-0 goals. The English week couldn't have gone better for SSV Ahrntal, who had already drawn twice before and had been undefeated for five rounds. Nine points, thanks to which the northernmost Oberliga club has gained a lot of breathing room in the table. With 26 points, the “Teldra” are in 12th place – three lengths ahead of the relegation positions.

“The group harmonizes, we have the necessary bit of luck. If results are achieved, self-confidence increases. One thing leads to another. But you shouldn't overestimate the last five games. We still have a very long road ahead,” says Ahrntal’s coach Alex Brugger, nipping any hint of euphoria in the bud.

English week drains the substance

If you analyze the last five games, you will notice that the “Teldra” have not conceded a goal in four matches. Goalie Patrick Psenner last had to reach behind himself 389 minutes ago (in the 1-1 draw against Eppan on February 14th, editor's note). An accident? Definitely not. “We have changed the game system and are now better in the midfield. We don't even need to discuss the qualities of Hannes Steger or Robert Niederkofler in central defense. The young full-backs, no matter who I currently field, are also doing a more than decent job. And for me, Patrick Psenner is one of the best goalkeepers in the league anyway,” explains Brugger.

But the English Week left its mark on SSV Ahrntal. “We have a very small squad and the players were struggling after three games in one week. Yesterday I still had three healthy players on the bench. That’s why regeneration is very important this week,” said Brugger, who is currently worried about his official goal scorer, Manuel Pipperger. He is suffering from a knee injury. “In the derby he tore his cruciate ligaments. They are probably not torn, but it is questionable whether they can withstand the strain.”

A lot of work still awaits Ahrntal

It is clear to Alex Brugger that he and his team cannot yet buy anything from their recent successes. That's why the next three games point the way. “If we get good results away against Lavis, then at home in the catch-up game against Mezzocorona and on the following Sunday against Brixen, then a lot has been done. “It’s generally important that we score points in home games,” believes Brugger.

If Stefan Pareiner & Co. continue to show such concentrated defensive performances in the future and act as callously as before, then the “Teldra” will certainly score a few more points in the remaining seven games. Then nothing should stand in the way of the longed-for relegation.

Hannes Kröss, SportNews

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System change: Things are working again at Ahrntal

Five games without defeat, no goals conceded in 389 minutes: The “Teldra” are back! With eleven points from the last five matches, the Brugger team has climbed to 12th place - and can once again have legitimate hopes of staying in the league.

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