Defender Albert Vallci tore his Achilles tendon seven months ago How the 26-year-old Bull defensive man dealt with this shock What time is “Bertl” aiming for his return to the field
Salzburg’s military hospital has been well filled for some time. Currently, coach Matthias Jaissle is missing six players: Zlatko Junuzovic, Sekou Koita, Kamil Piatkowski, Benjamin Sesko, Oumar Solet and Albert Vallci.
The latter tore his Achilles tendon seven months ago in a friendly against Vorwärts Steyr. Step by step, the 26-year-old is feeling his way back and forging his comeback.
Vallci: “I had a numb feeling and no tension in my foot”
“It’s currently going well”, the Styrian grins, “I feel better and better.” Of course, that wasn’t always the case. The first days after the injury were tough. “I had a numb feeling and no tension in my foot,” it was immediately clear to “Bertl” that something worse had happened. “At first you are disappointed and question a lot. But the whole thing is part of the job. With all the positive aspects, you have to accept that too. ”Even a setback – Vallci had to go to the operating table a second time – could not harm him. “I can’t change it and always try to stay positive.”
In the last few weeks everything went according to plan and he was able to continuously improve his performance on an anti-gravity running track. Which is why the return to the game is slowly taking shape. “The goal is to be able to participate and attack again in January without any problems.”
Salzburg’s development? For Vallci “madness”
Even without appearances, Vallci tries to get involved in the team, especially to support the young players. “I don’t even want to hear it,” he grins, “but I’m the fifth oldest on the team,” he jokes. How does he see the team’s sporting development? “Insanity! Many had expected that we would be caught this time. “