Over the weekend, at least one report in Austria claimed selecting Kevin Wimmer at left back may well cost Marcel Koller his job managing the national side.
Wimmer hasn’t played left back since with FC Koln in Germany’s second tier, and the Tottenham bit part player has been thrown into the position by Koller, with the results bringing much criticism.
The Tottenham defender has been used as a scapegoat, and even whistled by his own supporters when coming off the pitch for Austria. Obviously starting out with the best intentions, Koller has unwillingly thrown Wimmer to the wolves.
Therefore, it’s not surprising to hear Koller saying he’ll support the player, because he pretty much has to.
Koller’s comments focusing on Wimmer’s personal plight are perhaps a little self serving and seem to draw attention away from the fact his manager played him out of position in the first place.
Quoted by Austria’s Laola, Koller said: “We in the coaching staff want to support him, help him move past these difficult times. I am convinced that this brings him further experience.”
It certainly has been an ‘experience’ for Wimmer, and Koller added that he doesn’t feel the Tottenham player is out of his depth: “He is a player who does not play regularly, but who has the ability to play at this level.”
