Champions League: Kühbauer warns against Real Sociedad

“Salzburg needs an extraordinary performance to get points,” said Kühbauer, who finished third in the league with the San Sebastian club in 1998. Real Sociedad has only been ranked this well in Spain once since then (runner-up in 2003). Last season they finished fourth in the league and impressed in the Champions League in the fall with early promotion to the round of 16. “This is no surprise to me,” emphasized Kühbauer. “They’re so good – from back to front.”

He particularly praised the defense. “They work like animals at the back, but they have good quality up front.” Real Sociedad always maintains control over a game. “You won’t go in with your sights open. But if they have space, it becomes very difficult.” The Basques had already shown their “huge quality” in a 2-0 win in Salzburg at the beginning of October. They may not be able to compete at home with their best team. “But I know their mentality,” said Kühbauer. “They want to take the points with them.”

GEPA/Cordon Press/J. Soriano Kühbauer played for Real Sociedad from 1997 to 2000

Five players in the current team squad

Real Sociedad had five players in the youngest Spanish national squad – more than any other club. They were goalkeeper Alex Remiro, defender Robin Le Normand, midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino and left winger Mikel Oyarzabal. “He (Oyarzabal) stands out, a brilliant player,” said Kühbauer about the offensive man who was recently slightly injured. “In terms of football IQ and skills, he is brutal, one of the best.” The only thing the Sociedad captain lacks in terms of speed is the absolute best in the world.

GEPA/Mathias Mandl Mikel Oyarzabal was extremely dangerous in the first leg and also took the 1-0 lead

Kühbauer himself played with coach Imanol Alguacil. The 52-year-old former right-back has been in office since the end of 2018. “A really nice guy, but an introverted guy. “He does a top job,” praised the Burgenlander of the same age. “He is a Basque with heart and soul.”

“It will be very difficult for Salzburg”

The stadium in San Sebastian still had a running track in Kühbauer’s time. After a renovation completed in 2019, the up to 39,000 spectators in the Reale Arena, as the stadium is officially called through a sponsorship agreement, now sit much closer to the pitch. “A lot has changed. The club was always good, but with the stadium they managed to bring in a different energy,” said Kühbauer. “It’s an incredible stadium – and the people are complete football nuts. This will be very difficult for Salzburg.”

Reuters/Vincent West The support of the fans in the stadium is a factor that should not be underestimated

In order to gain something, the “Bulls” would have to present themselves differently than in the domestic league. “In Austria they have to play the game, it’s harder for them there.” Salzburg is missing a real leader this season. “This year there is an opportunity for Sturm and also for LASK,” said Kühbauer, from whom Linz separated in June after finishing three in the league. His contract with LASK runs until summer 2024.