The Third Goalkeeper: Is It Really the Chillest Job in Professional Football?
The question of whether the third goalkeeper position is the most relaxed role in professional soccer has gained traction recently, but a new glance at the realities of the job reveals a more nuanced picture. While the role doesn’t carry the constant pressure of being the first or second choice, three Austrian goalkeepers – Paul Tschernuth (1. FC Heidenheim), Lukas Wedl (FK Austria Wien), and Fabian Ehmann (GAK) – emphatically disagree with the notion that it’s a “chill” existence. Their insights, shared in a recent report, highlight the unique challenges and anxieties that come with being the third man on the roster.
The Path to Becoming Number Three
In the Austrian Bundesliga, and many leagues across Europe, the path to becoming a third-choice goalkeeper often begins in the youth system or the second team. Clubs typically promote a young player to fill the role, providing valuable experience within the professional environment. This allows the young goalkeeper to train with the first team while often continuing to play regularly for the reserves, typically in leagues like the Regionalliga or LigaZwa.
Fabian Ehmann’s experience at SK Sturm Graz in 2016/17 exemplifies this common trajectory. However, Ehmann’s situation evolved after a transfer, shifting him from a backup role to the third-choice keeper at GAK. He acknowledged the need to adapt and continue pushing for opportunities. “You have to keep working hard and witness what comes out of it,” Ehmann said, illustrating the constant need for self-improvement even without consistent playing time.
Lukas Wedl’s journey to becoming Austria Wien’s third goalkeeper began with a transfer from Wacker Innsbruck in the summer of 2021. While not initially intended to be the number three, the position evolved over time. Wedl clarified that he didn’t specifically seek out the role, stating, “I didn’t join Austria wanting to be the third goalkeeper. That wasn’t the goal of anyone.” He had previously made 60 appearances in the ADMIRAL 2. Liga for Tirol, demonstrating a proven track record before taking on the backup role.
Paul Tschernuth, six years younger than Wedl, has as well spent a significant amount of time as a third-choice goalkeeper. The three keepers all agree on one thing: the position is far from relaxed.
Not a “Chill” Job After All
Despite the perception of limited pressure, all three goalkeepers emphatically rejected the idea that being number three is the easiest job in football. The core of their argument centers around the precarious nature of the position. Ehmann described a feeling of always being “on the verge,” constantly striving to move up the pecking order or facing the possibility of being replaced. This creates a unique type of pressure – a constant need to prove oneself in training without the immediate reward of game time.
Tschernuth echoed this sentiment, noting that third-choice goalkeepers are often young and relatively inexpensive, making them easily replaceable. “As a third goalkeeper, you are quickly replaced,” he stated. The expectation is to consistently deliver high-level performances in training, as any slip-up could lead to being released or demoted.
Wedl, perhaps most directly, admitted that if given the choice, he wouldn’t be a third goalkeeper. “I think everyone would rather be in the spotlight,” he said. While the competitive pressure of vying for a starting spot is absent, the performance pressure remains intense. He emphasized that a third-choice goalkeeper is still an integral part of the team, responsible for maintaining team morale and contributing to a positive training environment.
The Financial Reality
The financial aspect of the position also plays a role in the lack of “chill.” While third-choice goalkeepers enjoy the benefits of being professional footballers, their salaries are significantly lower than those of the first and second-choice keepers. This financial disparity adds another layer of pressure, as they must continually demonstrate their value to justify their contract and potentially earn a promotion.
The role demands a unique mindset. It requires dedication, resilience, and a willingness to contribute to the team’s success even without regular playing time. It’s a position that demands constant readiness, knowing that an injury or unforeseen circumstance could thrust them into the spotlight at any moment. For aspiring goalkeepers, it can be a valuable stepping stone, but it’s certainly not a path to a relaxed career.
The reality is that being a third-choice goalkeeper is a demanding role that requires a specific set of skills and a strong mental fortitude. It’s a position that demands constant preparation, unwavering dedication, and a willingness to embrace the challenges that come with being a vital, yet often overlooked, member of the team.
The Austrian Bundesliga season continues, and these three goalkeepers will continue to train diligently, ready to answer the call should their teams need them. Their experiences offer a valuable insight into a role that is often misunderstood and underestimated within the world of professional football.
