What’s happening at Wolfsberger AC?

Wolfsberger AC kicked off the official pre‑season on Thursday, July 9 2026, with exactly 23 players, including five of the seven new signings, gathering at Lavanttal Arena. Goalkeeper Lukas Polster used the session to reaffirm his ambition to move abroad, while coach Thomas Silberberger highlighted the defensive progress made last season.

Why is defensive improvement crucial?

Silberberger told the press after the first training: “Defensively, a lot worked out.” The quote came during a brief conference where he stressed the squad’s strong defensive performance in the previous campaign. This stability, he said, forms the foundation for targeting a top‑four finish. Players have reportedly worked on fitness and tactics during the break, evident in today’s shuttle‑run.

How does the competition look in training?

In the traditional shuttle‑run, young talents Marco Sulzner and Fabian Wohlmuth emerged as the fastest, each covering 20 meters in 8.2 seconds over the final 30 seconds. The coaching staff sees this as a sign of squad depth. Silberberger described the internal competition as “intense but constructive,” with every player fighting for a spot in the starting eleven.

What does Polster’s possible overseas move mean?

Polster, 24, logged 28 appearances for Wolfsberger AC last season, keeping 85 % of shots on target. After training, he said, “I’m ready for the next step.” The 24‑year‑old is expected to explore offers from Germany and the Netherlands during the summer window. Should he leave, the club is already considering his replacement, a topic already on the summer agenda.

What’s next for the club?

Silberberger plans to schedule friendly matches against Austrian and international opponents in the coming weeks to test tactical flexibility and integrate new signings. Meanwhile, management will evaluate Polster’s transfer options to balance sporting and financial goals. Fans can look forward to an exciting season start as the team fine‑tunes the final details.