Hungarian national squad puts the finishing touches to the European Championships in Saalfelden Leogang

Just under three weeks before the Hungarian national football team plays its first European Championship match against Austria in Bordeaux on 14 June, the Magyars are preparing for the major event on Pinzgau soil. The fact that it is the Leogang pitch of all places where the Hungarians are putting the finishing touches to their first European Championship match against the ÖFB team also pleases Saalfelden Leogang Tourism Managing Director Marco Pointner: "The top teams seem to feel so comfortable in Saalfelden Leogang that they complete the crucial immediate preparation for a major event here with us. The investments in our sports facilities are now paying off." Leo Bauernberger, Managing Director of SalzburgerLand Tourismus Gesellschaft, can only agree: "We are particularly pleased that Hungary, an opponent of the ÖFB team at the upcoming European Championships, is coming to SalzburgerLand. It proves once again that SalzburgerLand is a real top address for football training camps - and Saalfelden Leogang in particular plays a big part in this with its perfect training infrastructure and first-class hotels."
 

Football training camps have become an important economic factor, says Bauernberger: "This summer alone, almost 40 top international teams will once again pitch their tents in SalzburgerLand, along with their support staff, fans and media representatives. In addition to Hungary, we are particularly looking forward to FC Schalke 04, Bayer Leverkusen and the South Korean national team, who will play a test match against Spain at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg on 1 June."

Recommendation came from the German U21 national team

The 60-strong Hungarian delegation led by team manager Bernd Storck is staying at the Naturhotel Forsthofgut in Leogang, where the German U21 national team already felt at home last year. This is how contact was made with host Christoph Schmuck, who was delighted to receive the tip from the Germans: "After coach Horst Hrubesch recommended us to Hungary's team manager Storck, everything went very quickly," says Schmuck. The hotelier is prepared for the onslaught: "Many discussions were held with the coaching staff in advance, and the requirements in terms of space and catering are very high. However, we are well equipped and have met all the requirements. The only thing we couldn't work on in the short time available was our Hungarian," laughs the hotelier.