A new Salzburg out to defy expectations at Club World Cup

Jesse Marsch. Cican Stankovic, Luka Sucic, Benjamin Sesko, Karim Adeyemi, Patson Daka... No, that is not Salzburg. That was Salzburg five years ago.

The Red Bull franchise in Austria's Bundesliga has fallen out of the spotlight recently, even surrendering their league throne to Sturm Graz. They head into the Club World Cup as a testing ground, fielding a much-changed squad. Several late signings ahead of the tournament shape their campaign in the US.

From 2014 to 2023, their name was printed on Austria's domestic trophy year after year. That long reign ended in 2023/24, and Salzburg have now finished as runners-up twice in a row.

Globally, this is no issue for the energy drink brand behind them, as they continue to feed young talent to other Red Bull clubs and bring in strong transfer revenue. But it does call for some recalibration. 

Jacob Rasmussen, Sota Kitano, Stefan Lainer, and Frans Kratzig are the main signings, with Rasmussen – an experienced defender – and Lainer – a former Gladbach player returning home – breaking from their usual focus on prospects.

Squad list

Players to watch

Oscar Gloukh will be a nightmare for any defence. A small, low-centre-of-gravity playmaker with exquisite technique, he operates across the final third to unlock back lines.

Stats from BeSoccer Pro speak for themselves: he leads among similar players in successful dribbles and accurate passes into the final third, and is second in ball recoveries near the opponent's goal. The edge of the box is his hunting ground.

This season, Nene Dorgeles has stepped up as Salzburg's main scoring threat, replacing Karim Konate, who netted nearly 20 times last year but has since disappeared from the scoresheet.

That hasn't hurt the side too much – Dorgeles has scored 15 – but with Konate now ruled out with a torn ACL, the Red Bulls' hopes in front of goal rest firmly on Dorgeles' shoulders.

Sota Kitano is also expected to shine in the US. He might even displace one of the attacking stars mentioned above. Though not a prolific scorer, the fresh arrival from Cerezo Osaka brings energy and fits the club's vision. Like many Asian players who leap to Europe, his work ethic and attitude could turn into strong performances on the pitch.

Coach

Thomas Letsch returned "home" last December. He previously worked in Salzburg's academy and managed over 50 games for Liefering.

His success with Vitesse – whom he led into Europe – and his Bundesliga survival campaign with Bochum earned him respect. Now, he's tasked with bringing cohesion to a young, less dominant squad than in recent years.

This Club World Cup should be seen as an opportunity to test his side against far stronger opposition. Real Madrid, Pachuca and Al Hilal are all seen as favourites – Salzburg are not.

If they go out bottom of the group, they will have met expectations and gained valuable experience against the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Salomon Rondon and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. If they surprise, Letsch will gain huge credit in their real goal: reclaiming the domestic title from Sturm Graz.

Group stage fixtures

Matchday 1

Given the strength of their group, there are no clear ideal opponents to open against. Should Salzburg get the Real Madrid clash out of the way early? Or leave it for the end, when the Spanish side might have already secured qualification and taken their foot off the gas?

For those who prefer the latter, good news: Salzburg debut against Pachuca on 19 June at the TQL Stadium.

Matchday 2

On Monday, 23 June, the Red Bulls face Al Hilal – a match that could hinge psychologically on the Saudi side's opener against Madrid. If the Spaniards beat them, Hilal will be under pressure to win.

A draw would also push them to perform. A win, on the other hand, would allow them to play freely with confidence.

Matchday 3

Whatever happens, Salzburg's final group game will be meaningful in some way. If they're already eliminated, facing Madrid will still be valuable for their youngsters and staff.

If the Spaniards are already through, Salzburg might catch a rotated eleven and even cause a scare. We'll have the answer on 27 June.

Possible starting XI