Cadalration at the GAK: shock for seven loan players!

Cadalration at the GAK: shock for seven loan players!

The Graz athletic sports club (GAK) secured the relegation in the Bundesliga on the last matchday of the season with a 1-1 draw against WSG Tyrol. This was celebrated by the entire GAK family with cheers, hugs and tears of joy. Sports director Dieter Elsneg describes this season as the most difficult in his five -year term and emphasizes the immense pressure that was on the team. Thanks also to ex-coach Gernot Messner and Rene Poms who have made an important contribution. But with securing the relegation, the challenges for the club are far from over.

In the coming season, the Grazers have a larger squad break. Dieter Elsneg has already made clear decisions: all the GAK loan players are not added to the squad for the next season. Among other things, this affects Milos Jovicic, who no longer has a contract, and Marco Perchtold, who ends his career. The young talents who received less season this season must now be evaluated. Yannick Oberleitner, who played in Amstetten, could be awarded again, while it is looking for other options for Juri Kirchmayr and Atsushi Zaizen, since their departure has also been decided.

squad planning on the agenda

The squad planning is undertaking for Elsneg and the technical director Tino Wawra. The team wants to keep players like Florian Wiegele, Antonio Tikvic and Zeteny Jano, whereby Elsneg is optimistic to continue working with Wiegele. The pressure is not only higher on the sporting level, but also in conversations with contractual players. The time for contract extensions has come, but the focus has so far been clearly due to relegation.

Ferdinand Feldhofer, recently coach of the GAK, plays a crucial role in the future planning of the association. His contract term by 2027 gives him the opportunity to create stability in the team. His human dealings and cooperation with the players highly praised by Elsneg, which ensures a positive basic building block in the coming season. Daniel Maderner has already extended his contract by two years, which underlines identification with the association.

The influence of success through talent

In view of the challenges in recruiting talents, the comparison between football and economy could be interesting for the GAK. The former U21 national coach Stefan Kuntz, who speaks from experience, emphasizes in his lectures how important teamwork, leadership and motivation are in both areas. Football, as a globally operating economic factor, does not show itself to a commercial enterprise in its structure. The responsibility within a team and the resulting emotions are crucial for success, be it on the square or in business.

In summary, the GAK faces an exciting time full of challenges and opportunities. The planning for the coming season is already in full swing, and it remains exciting how the club will present itself in the next season.