Wolfsberger AC: Ryan Ogam's New Coach Poses Fresh Challenge For Opponents

SCR Altach's preparations for their upcoming match against Ryan Ogam’s Wolfsberger AC have been complicated by a sudden coaching change at the Lavanttal club, with Ismail Atalan taking the helm during the international break.

Ismail Atalan stepped in to replace Peter Pacult, who himself had only recently succeeded Dietmar Kühbauer after his departure to LASK.

However, after just one month in charge, Wolfsberger AC President Dietmar Riegler decided the veteran manager was not the right fit and dismissed him.

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On the very same day, the club announced the appointment of Ismail Atalan. Last season, Ismail Atalan guided Kapfenberger SV to an impressive third-place finish in the 2. Liga but left the club after the season due to the announced drastic budget cuts.

“I am very happy to return to Austria and to be the new coach of Wolfsberger AC. The talks with the president were very constructive and also gave me a very good feeling on a personal level,” the coach said upon his appointment as head coach.

“I am looking forward to getting to know the lads personally and getting started together with the Wolfpack.”

This marks Atalan's first coaching role in the Austrian Bundesliga. His previous high-profile appointment, a stint with German second-division side VfL Bochum in the autumn of 2017, ended after just 10 matches.

The managerial switch presents an unexpected hurdle for Altach coach Fabio Ingolitsch ahead of Saturday's clash.

"With a coaching change, you never know exactly what to expect," Fabio Ingolitsch stated as quoted by Kronen.

"Therefore, we will be less able to go into detail on the opponent this week and will have to focus even more on our own principles of play."

On a positive note for Altach, their sole international player, Mohamed Ouedraogo, returned from duty with Burkina Faso and rejoined team training on Thursday.