The Austrian side failed to rise to the occasion, leading to questions about Lijnders’ ability to turn the team’s fortunes around.
A Day to Forget for Salzburg
“I think they didn’t have their best day,” said Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, who was instrumental in three of the German side’s goals. The young talent seemed bemused by Salzburg’s dismal performance.
Former Austrian international Andreas Herzog was equally scathing during his analysis on Sky Sports: “Intensity? Zero! Mentality? Zero! They make a substitution after fifteen minutes, and the substitute hasn’t even put his socks on yet. Salzburg are really making a fool of themselves in Europe.”
Lijnders echoed the criticism: “I can accept a defeat, but not like this. Leverkusen was much better in every aspect. Second balls, pressing – after fifteen minutes, the game was over.”
Media Reaction and Austrian Concerns
The Austrian newspaper Kurier described the match as “a debacle for Salzburg,” lamenting their ongoing crisis. The publication noted that while losing to Leverkusen is no disgrace, the nature of the defeat was alarming. “They were worryingly bad again – at least two classes below their opponents.”
Despite suffering their fourth defeat in five games, Salzburg still has a slim theoretical chance of advancing in Europe. However, their domestic performance is also underwhelming, with the team languishing in mid-table in the Austrian Bundesliga.
Questions are now mounting in Austria: how long can the club tolerate this decline? While Sporting Director Bernhard Seonbuchner insists that Lijnders’ position is secure, many wonder whether both coach and director are running out of time.
Site Opinion
The thrashing in Leverkusen is not just a wake-up call for Pepijn Lijnders but a glaring indictment of Salzburg‘s overall strategy. The lack of intensity, preparation, and leadership on the pitch highlights deeper issues within the club. Salzburg, once dominant in Austria and respected in Europe, now seems a shadow of its former self.
The club’s insistence on continuity with Lijnders might stem from loyalty or long-term vision, but results matter in football. Without immediate improvement, both Lijnders and Seonbuchner risk their reputations – and jobs – as Salzburg fans grow increasingly impatient. Time is running out for changes to be made before this season becomes irretrievable.
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