Crisis in front of the league cracker: Salzburg and Sturm Graz under pressure!

Crisis in front of the league cracker: Salzburg and Sturm Graz under pressure!

On September 21, 2025, the highly expected league leading game between Red Bull Salzburg and the defending champion Sturm Graz will kick off. Both teams are under pressure to demonstrate their ambitions after a weak start of the season. Salzburg, runner-up of last season, was not able to convince this season and had to let his head hang after a 1: 3 defeat against Wolfsberg. Sturm Graz, the champions from 2024, also had to accept a bitter 0: 1 bankruptcy against Austria Vienna. The open questions about the squad quality of both clubs spirits through the city - and the worries of those responsible grow.

Sturm Graz, despite a long success story recently, is currently facing a "critical point". Jürgen Saumel, the trainer, has not yet made the change of the squad painless. The loss of key players such as Gregory Wüthrich and William Böving could not be compensated for. On the last day of transfer, the Graz secured the services of striker Maurice Malone and the injured defender Jeyland Mitchell, which could not remove the defensive problems. Club boss Christian Jauk emphasizes the high expectations of the successes of recent years and is therefore not only under pressure to succeed, but also under public observation.

Kader under observation

The requirement to meet your own demands is noticeable on both sides. At Salzburg, which generated 60 million euros through sales during the transfer summer, the publication of players like Sota Kitano and Kerim Alajbegovic was promising, but fluctuating in their performance. So far, experienced actors such as Stefan Lainer and Jacob Rasmussen have not been able to bring stability. Thomas Letsch is challenged to get the old defense problem and the poor intensity under control in order to shine the red and white colors again.

Another challenge for Sturm Graz is the violation of top performers, including the key player Otar Kiteishvili. For Sturm, the upcoming duel in Salzburg is the third of a total of seven games within 22 days - a real stress test for the team.

Transfer strategies under the magnifying glass

The transfer strategies of both clubs have gained explosive in the current season. While Red Bull Salzburg brought new players on board, including Anrie Chase from Germany, there is plenty of room for improving the previous squad composition. On the occasion of the upcoming games and the upcoming Europa League, it is essential that both teams park their mistakes and turn the shape curve up.

For the fans of both camps, the encounter on September 21 promises to become emotionally and exciting - with the hope of a real league cracker, which can meet both the demands of the clubs and the wishes of the followers. Both Red Bull Salzburg and Sturm Graz need the points burning and the backdrop in Salzburg will surely ensure a gripping football experience.

Links to the details and other reports: Salzburg24,, Transfer market,, 90 minute.