Austria's top goalkeeper Schlager relegated to backup at Werder Bremen

Alexander Schlager, Austria's starting goalkeeper, finds himself in a challenging position at his new club, Werder Bremen, where he has been designated as the backup. This demotion raises concerns about his future with the national team, particularly given his lack of consistent playing time.

Werder Bremen coach Daniel Thioune has officially named Estonian goalkeeper Karl Hein as the team's number one for the upcoming season. "Karl will be in goal on Sunday and go into the season as number one," Thioune stated ahead of the team's opening match against SC Freiburg.

Schlager had previously started in Werder's 3-0 away victory in the DFB-Pokal against Lüneburg the week prior. However, Hein was unavailable for that match due to injury. Schlager transferred to Werder Bremen from Red Bull Salzburg over the summer, at which point the club had indicated an open competition for the starting goalkeeper position.

During the World Cup, the 30-year-old Schlager was Austria's first-choice goalkeeper. His current situation at Werder Bremen, with limited playing opportunities, casts doubt on whether he can maintain that role for the national team. The lack of consistent match practice could jeopardize his status as Austria's top keeper.

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Karl will be in goal on Sunday and go into the season as number one.