Hard graft suits Austria's Aufhauser

Austria midfielder René Aufhauser promises plenty of hard work between now and UEFA EURO 2008™ as the co-hosts look to improve on their recent form ahead of this summer's tournament.

Guarded optimism
Josef Hickersberger's side won just once last year and have not scored in their past three matches, most recently a 3-0 defeat against Germany who they will meet again in Group B on 16 June. Austria took the game to their illustrious rivals and but for some poor finishing they might have given their neighbours a real scare. It is reason for guarded optimism according to Aufhauser.

'Mixed emotions'
"There were mixed emotions," Aufhauser told uefa.com. "On the one hand, we were happy to have dominated the first half like we did and to have created so many chances. On the other, the result did not reflect our performance. We still have some physical weaknesses and will have to work hard to eliminate them. We also have to be more efficient as a team." Importantly, Austrian fans got behind their side as they pinned Germany back for long spells, a fact not lost on the 31-year-old FC Salzburg midfielder. "The fans' spirit was still very good after the match despite our loss, because they noticed that we can match a good opponent."

Exciting title race
Austrian fans may have been starved of positive results at international level, but on the domestic front they are flocking to stadiums as the Bundesliga enjoys one of the most exciting title races in years. Champions Salzburg are in the thick of it, one point off leaders LASK Linz, with just four points separating the top five sides.

Rapid challenge
"I think [SK] Rapid [Wien] will be the hardest opposition in the fight for the championship, they have a well-balanced squad," said Aufhauser, whose side have faced a far greater challenge than last year when they won the league by 19 points. "During the autumn we conceded too many goals from set-pieces which cost us a lot of points. And you mustn't forget that Thomas Linke left. He was an important defensive player for us. Also, the Vienna clubs, Rapid and Austria, have recovered from a period of weakness and are back at the top."

Little things count
Salzburg clinched the title for the first time in a decade last season under coach Giovanni Trapattoni, who will be missed when he leaves to take charge of the Republic of Ireland in the summer. The lessons learned from the veteran Italian, though, should continue to serve Salzburg well into the future. "He taught us that every situation in a match can be the decisive," Aufhauser said. "Even the simple things like a throw in or an easy pass. He is also intent on ensuring that we are physically on top of our game and that's what he looks for during training sessions."

Italy favourites
Aufhauser is one of the few Austrians in Trapattoni's cosmopolitan squad and despite featuring regularly for his country he has not been able to claim a regular place with his club side this campaign. He accepts Trapattoni's rotation policy though and believes the 68-year-old's pending departure gives Salzburg extra motivation to retain their crown. It would be a fitting farewell to the Italian coach who, according to Aufhauser, could well also see his countrymen celebrating again should he stay in Austria until the end of June. "Italy are a hot bet," Aufhauser says. "Spain would also deserve the title. They have very good players, but haven't won anything for ages."