The Slovenians have a lot to do. There was a bitter 1:4 defeat against Norway in Ljubljana on Thursday, and direct promotion to League A is already out of reach. “Winning is never nice. But it is forgotten, it is over. We focus on the next game,” Sesko emphasized. “The staff know what happened. We want to show Slovenia again like we showed a short time ago.”
In the European Championship round of 16 against Portugal, the Slovenians were only eliminated on penalties at the start of July, while they drew 1-1 at home to Austria at the start of September - with a penalty goal from Sesko, which already is. scored five times in the League of Nations. The 21-year-old has scored 16 goals in 38 international games so far. He expects to grow against Austria, even if he warned about the closeness of the ÖFB selection: “The team is very well coordinated.”
Showdown for the ÖFB team against Slovenia
The Austrian national football final will take place on Sunday in the Ernst Happel Stadium. In the Nations League final against Slovenia, the ÖFB team can win the group with a win.
Sesko joined Red Bull Salzburg in 2019 at the age of 16. After two years with second team FC Liefering, the Slovenian joined the Salzburg team for two years before leaving for RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023 for a rumored fee of 24 million euros. “It’s interesting to be back in Austria, to see the fans again and feel the atmosphere,” said Sesko. “Hopefully I can enjoy the game.”
GEPA/Christian Moser
At Red Bull Salzburg, Benjamin Sesko matured into a player of international stature
“Austria has more to lose”
The encounter is also a result for coach Matjaz Kek. The former defender was a player in Austria for Spittal/Drau (1985-1988) and GAK (1989-1994). He is now
Slovenia’s favorite coach with over 100 international caps on the sidelines. His second stint in charge of the team has been going on for six years, in the first he led the Slovenians to their last World Cup appearance in 2010.
After the recent defeat against Norway, Kek and his team were judged harshly. “It’s important to show self-criticism after a performance like this,” said the 63-year-old. “We are all just human. Not much changes for me. I believe in these players.” As the current league leaders, the Austrians have more to lose than the Slovenians. “We want to stay in this league, that’s a goal. We look up. The Austrians can no longer look up, but down.”
IMAGO/Gonzales Photo/Ketil Martinsen
Praise for Boss Rangnick ÖFB team
The selection of ÖFB is greatly appreciated. “The Austrian team is full of big names. But I think their greatest strength is working as a team,” explained the former Legionnaire, who also praised Ralf Rangnick. “You have an excellent coach who paved the way for modern football throughout Europe. But they also have bad moments and I hope we can improve our qualities.”
Kek rates the Austrians slightly higher than the Norwegians. “The reality is that we are playing against the favorite in our group. There will definitely be some emotions.” In terms of personnel, the manager of the Slovenian team has almost everything he can draw on. Of the regular team, only Salernitana legionnaire Petar Stojanovic took part in Saturday’s final training due to signs of fatigue and is a bit doubtful. Sturm Graz captain Jon Gorenc Stankovic is missing due to an elbow injury.
What strategies might Slovenia employ to improve their chances against Austria after their recent defeat?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Football Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the exciting realm of European football, particularly focusing on the Slovenians as they prepare for their upcoming match against Austria. We have with us renowned football analyst, Dr. Mia Novak, who has closely followed the Slovenian national team. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Novak!
Dr. Novak: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an exciting time for Slovenian football.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. Slovenia recently faced a tough defeat against Norway, which has complicated their chances for direct promotion to League A in the Nations League. How do you see that affecting their mindset heading into the match against Austria?
Dr. Novak: The defeat was undoubtedly disheartening, especially a 1:4 at home. However, it seems like the team is taking a pragmatic approach. As Benjamin Sesko mentioned, “Winning is never nice, but it is forgotten.” This reflects a focus on resilience and future performance rather than dwelling on past failures. They know they need to regain confidence and prove themselves, especially in the upcoming showdown.
Editor: Speaking of Sesko, he’s been in remarkable form, scoring five times in the League of Nations. At just 21, he has already made a significant impact in international football. What do you think is driving his success?
Dr. Novak: Sesko’s trajectory is impressive. His maturity at such a young age can be attributed to his experience at clubs like Red Bull Salzburg and now RB Leipzig. He’s not just a talented player; he has garnered invaluable experience playing against top-tier competition. His confidence is palpable when he plays, and his statement about wanting to enjoy the game while being back in Austria suggests a deep connection to the fans and the atmosphere, which likely fuels his performance.
Editor: In contrast, Austria is under considerable pressure as the current league leaders. You mentioned their need to avoid looking down instead of up. How do you anticipate that pressure impacting their strategy?
Dr. Novak: The pressure is indeed on Austria. With so much at stake, it may lead them to adopt a more cautious approach to avoid making mistakes. Their priority will likely be to minimize risk and secure a win to maintain their standing in the group. Conversely, Slovenia might approach the game with a bit more freedom. They are the underdogs and can afford to take risks, which could make for an interesting dynamic in the match.
Editor: That’s a fascinating perspective. Now, looking at Matjaz Kek, the Slovenian manager, he seems to have a strong connection with both the players and the national ethos. How do you think his experience and past as a player in Austria will influence his coaching style in this crucial match?
Dr. Novak: Kek’s deep understanding of both the Slovenian and Austrian football cultures is invaluable. His playing experience in Austria allows him to navigate the psychological aspects of the match strategically. He knows the pressure his opponents face and can leverage that knowledge in preparation. His emphasis on self-criticism and belief in his players also fosters a positive atmosphere, which is crucial during challenging times.
Editor: As we gear up for this match, what do you believe will be the key factor that determines its outcome?
Dr. Novak: Discipline and execution on the day will be paramount. For Slovenia, it will be about shaking off that recent defeat and capitalizing on any defensive errors from Austria. For Austria, minimizing mistakes and controlling the game will be crucial. A solid defensive performance from both sides could ultimately shape the result, but one key moment of brilliance, potentially from a player like Sesko, could swing the match in favor of either team.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Novak! Your insights shed a lot of light on the upcoming encounter. We’re all eager to see how this match unfolds, especially with so much at stake for both teams.
Dr. Novak: It was a pleasure! Let’s hope for an exciting match—may the best team win!