Football second division GAK has so far given up ten players during the transfer period and has brought in six new ones. The budget increased slightly and is now around three million euros. Promotion to the Bundesliga is an issue for the “red jackets”, but not an obligation. The game in Lustenau starts on Sunday in the second division.
Second division GAK has recorded ten departures so far in this transfer period. But don’t panic on the “red Titanic” – everything went according to plan. “It was definitely not a must, we deliberately reduced the squad. It has been artificially inflated a bit by the Corona regulations, ”explains Managing Director Matthias Dielacher. “But we have certainly not lost any of our quality!”
On the other hand, there are six additions like Markus Rusek (Klagenfurt) or loan player Mamadou Sangare (Salzburg). In the preseason, the GAK, which vaccinated over 300 fans against Corona on Thursday, even briefly participated in the promotion race between Innsbruck and Klagenfurt – in the end it was sixth. “We want to build on the previous year and improve again a little.”
Does that mean the GAK wants to play for promotion? “We definitely want to be at the forefront and, if possible, we’re happy to take the ascent with us. But we remain realistic and therefore certainly don’t put any pressure on ourselves, ”says Dielacher cautiously. He puts the favorite role on the competition from St. Pölten and Innsbruck, “They are sure to be traded high. Maybe Lustenau too. “
A comparison of apples and pears
The people in charge of Graz were able to increase the budget slightly compared to the previous year, which is around three million euros for the new season – some clubs have a lot more available. “But comparing individual clubs on the basis of the budget is like comparing apples with oranges. Because the infrastructure in Graz is certainly a lot more expensive than at other clubs in the league … ”, said Dielacher.