KAC defender Clemens Unterweger: “We’ve had continuity for a very long time”
After the disappointing quarter-final exit against Fehérvár, Unterweger extended his contract in Klagenfurt for another three years in April. “The club made a strong effort to keep me, and I’m happy they continue to trust me going forward,” said the 34-year-old, who also reflected on the quarter-final exit: “For the national-team players, it went straight into preparations for the World Championship, which helped shift our focus. Of course it hurt, but with all the momentum from the national team and a reasonably successful World Championship, it was a bit easier for me to process and move on. But precisely because last season ended so disappointingly, we as a team are burning to get into the new campaign.”
Klagenfurt is banking on continuity
KAC largely retained its core, adding just five new players. “We’ve had continuity for a very long time, so five new signings are almost a major shake-up. We know each other very well by now and understand how everyone ticks. That makes it easier for new players to integrate,” the East Tyrolean is convinced.
With former top forward and KAC captain Christoph Brandner – who has been working as a coach within the organisation for twelve years now – there is also a fresh dynamic in the coaching team as assistant coach. “Everyone knows ‘Brandy.’ Everyone knows what he achieved in his career, and there’s huge respect for him. Tactically, he’s top-class, he can definitely teach us one or two things. We’ve always had a lot of exchange in the national team, and I’m glad we’ll now be working together at KAC as well.”
From the CHL to the Mountain Classic
Klagenfurt won three of their four preseason games. In the league, the Red Jackets kick off on 18 September with an away match in Salzburg. This week already sees the start of the new Champions Hockey League season, with KAC hosting Bordeaux and Fribourg-Gottéron. “Preseason went well. I’m very excited for the new season. From time to time I do follow other teams’ transfer activity, but over the last few years I’ve generally become much calmer and more focused on our own squad and our own performance. Now we’re primarily looking forward to the CHL games,” explains Unterweger, who with the Red-and-Whites will take part in a real highlight in the coming season.
The second away fixture against EC Red Bull Salzburg will be played on Sunday, 31 January, as part of the Mountain Classic at the ski jumping hill in Bischofshofen. In December 2024, KAC last played outdoors in a charity match at Unterweger’s home club in Huben. “That was a great experience for all of us. The conditions were perfect. I’m really looking forward to the Mountain Classic game because it fulfills a childhood dream: to be able to take part in a proper open-air match. I’m very curious to see how it will be.”
