Background
When the Red Bulls, currently sixth in the standings, take on the third-placed team in Klagenfurt on Sunday, it won't be the league's top match, but it's certainly a blockbuster. Both teams haven't consistently reached their full potential yet and share a turbulent history, such as last season's final series, which the Red Bulls won in straight games. The first encounter this season, in early September in Salzburg, also went to the Red Bulls with a 4-1 victory.
However, things have changed since then. While KAC has steadily climbed to third place in the standings after a difficult start, the Red Bulls have recently emerged from a slump, which they should have overcome with their last three consecutive (home) wins – against Székesfehérvár, Ingolstadt (CHL), and yesterday against Linz. Tension is therefore guaranteed once again: Both teams meet during strong periods and are eager to claim the next chapter in this ever-evolving rivalry.
Manny Viveiros' Journey into the Past
After his playing career (2000 to 2007), Manny Viveiros took over as head coach in Klagenfurt in his final season as a defenseman, in which he played only seven games. He was succeeded by Christian Weber in 2012 but continued as KAC manager until 2014. Eleven years later, the 59-year-old Canadian is now returning to his former stomping ground, which was his sporting and professional home for 14 years, as head coach of EC Red Bull Salzburg.
