Against ex-club Salzburg
© Imago
After 1,012 days, Martin Hinteregger gave his comeback on profound people. At the 0-0 of his SK Austria Klagenfurt against Red Bull Salzburg, the 32-year-old was again high-class on the pitch since May 5, 2022, then in the Europa League semi-final for Eintracht Frankfurt-over 90 minutes.
“As if I had never been away,” said Hinteregger after the game against his ex-club with a wink at “Sky Sport Austria”. “Of course it still takes a bit and I also give myself the time, but today it has felt extremely good as the last few weeks in preparation. I am mega happy and also a little surprised that things are going so well. ”
The central defender showed a largely sovereign appearance, which was also due to the fact that he and his defense colleagues were hardly challenged by the Salzburgers. Hinteregger also convinced with some successful player openings. “It can get better with the ball, but the duels were already going well. You still have the eye, you don’t lose it. The older you get, the more experienced you get and this makes the position game better, ”said the ex-Frankfurt, who had previously acted as a player coach at his home club Sirnitz since summer 2023, where he had been under contract since 2022.
His trainer Peter Pacult ordered the appearance a little more sober: “You have already seen that Martin has a quality. He helped us a lot, but of course he is not yet at the level, where he would like to be. We will see how long it takes until it is at its top level. ”
Letsch with the worst start of all Salzburg trainers since 2005
Hinteregger described the result as a “won 0: 0”. The emotional situation with the Salzburgers looked different. It was the first point for coach Thomas Letsch in the fourth game. The ex-Bochumer made the worst start of all Salzburg coaches since Red Bull started in 2005. Kurt Jara previously held this negative record with a win in the first four games.
“It was an unsettled team that occurred from us. We cannot discuss this either and the only thing that helps are experiences of success. We have to force them, ”said Letsch. The former series master Red Bull is currently only in fifth place in the table.