The 2021–22 season was the 117th season in the existence of Admira Wacker Mödling and the club's tenth consecutive season in the top flight of Austrian football. In addition to the domestic league, Admira Wacker Mödling participated in this season's edition of the Austrian Cup.
Despite finishing 11th in the regular season, six points clear of last-place Rheindorf Altach, Admira Wacker struggled in the relegation round, failing to win any of their final five matches. Their relegation was confirmed on the final matchday following a 3–1 defeat to LASK.[1]
Background
Admira Wacker has been a member of the Austrian Bundesliga since their promotion from the 2. Liga in 2011.[2] The club faced challenges following the league's restructuring in the 2018–19 season, which expanded the league from 10 to 12 teams and introduced a split into championship and relegation rounds after 22 matches. Consequently, Admira often finished in the bottom half of the table, narrowly avoiding relegation on multiple occasions.[3]
The 2021–22 season marked the club's tenth consecutive year in the Bundesliga. The previous season was tumultuous, with several coaching changes. Zvonimir Soldo resigned in September 2020, just months after his appointment in February.[4] He was succeeded by Damir Burić, who was dismissed in April 2021, leaving the team only two points above last place, held by SKN St. Pölten.[5]Klaus Schmidt returned as head coach, having previously led the team to safety in the 2019–20 season.[6] Ultimately, the Südstädter finished the 2020–21 season second-to-last, six points clear of relegation.[7]
Another Admira player who made first-team appearances in the 2021–22 season, Patrick, was loaned to Azerbaijani club Gabala in January on an 18-month deal.[20]
In
Schmidt was succeeded as head coach by former Austrian international Andi Herzog, who signed a multi-year contract with the club on 24 May.[21] Admira's first player signings came shortly after Herzog's arrival, with strikerMarlon Mustapha the first announced on 10 June on loan from 1. FSV Mainz 05.[22] The Südstädter added two other players on loan during the off-season, with Ilay Elmkies joining from TSG Hoffenheim and Philipp Schmiedl from Sønderjyske.[23][24] Adding to their defensive ranks, Admira brought back Stephan Zwierschitz, returning to the club from Austria Wien on 24 June,[25] as well as Yannick Brugger from Eintracht Frankfurt on a free on 5 July.[26] Four days later, Admira signed Brazilian striker Patrick on a free transfer from second-tier side SV Horn.[27] On transfer deadline day, 1 September, Admira brought back their second former player from Austria Wien, with Thomas Ebner on a one-year deal with an option for an additional season.[28]
During the January transfer window, with Admira only three points above the relegation spot, several players were brought in. The signing of midfielderJan Vodháněl was already secured in November 2021,[29] with right-backSámuel Major, and striker Stefano Surdanovic joining the club on 5 January and 3 February, respectively.[30][31]
Pre-season and friendlies
Admira played a series of friendlies to prepare for the upcoming season. On 19 June 2021, they defeated SV Horn 4–0 at home at BSFZ-Arena. A week later, on 26 June, they were beaten 4–0 by Slovan Bratislava in Bad Blumau. The team then secured wins against lower-division sides, beating SC Kalsdorf 6–1 on 30 June and Gleisdorf 09 6–0 on 1 July 2021.[32][33] The team then hosted Russian club CSKA Moscow on 9 July, where they lost 1–0.[34] On 20 July, the team played a final pre-season match against Wiener Viktoria, securing a 1–0 victory with a penalty goal by René Hellermann. This match marked the first use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system at the BSFZ-Arena, with VAR playing a decisive role in awarding the penalty.[35] Their final friendly of the year occurred on 11 August, with the team losing 5–1 at home to seven-time Qatari champions Al-Duhail.[36]
Admira Wacker played 34 matches during the 2021–22 season, comprising 32 league games and two Austrian Cup fixtures. Andreas Leitner was the only player to appear in every match, playing every minute of the season. Throughout all competitions, the team utilised 29 different players, with 16 players contributing to a combined total of 40 goals.
List of squad players, including number of appearances by competition