“Our recent history in the playoffs and the experience we've gained from that naturally help us. We know what we have to do to win series. Even if it gets tight, we can finish series.” Atte Tolvanen knows what he's talking about. Since joining the Red Bulls, he has played in nine playoff series and won them all.
Niki Kraus also knows what playoffs feel like from many years in the championship, albeit with the KAC until last season. Now the striker is almost impatiently looking forward to the start of the semi-finals. “This is simply the best time of the year. When it gets really physical, physical. Everyone wants to win every duel and gives it their all.” What definitely helps: “You have a little plan in your head about how best to prepare for the playoffs. Everyone has to find their own way.”
Perhaps tonight at least the decision will be made as to who the Red Bulls will face in the semi-finals. In any case, it doesn't start until Tuesday with the first semi-final game in Salzburg and until then you can listen to what makes Atte and Niki tick during the best time of the year.