MX23RW : Monday, November 25 04:06:56| >> :600:7661248:7661248:

St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson unimpressed by LASK manager Dominik Thalhammer

St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson unimpressed by LASK manager Dominik Thalhammer
© Reuters
Nine-man Saints crashed out after a 2-0 defeat.

St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson was far from pleased with LASK counterpart Dominik Thalhammer after Saints exited the Europa Conference League play-off 3-1 on aggregate to the Austrian side.

Thalhammer had described the Perth side as disgusting to play against following the 1-1 draw last week and there seemed to be little love lost between the men on the touchline at McDiarmid Park as the home side ended with nine men in the 2-0 defeat.

LASK substitute Husein Balic thrashed the ball in from 14 yards in the 71st minute before Saints substitute David Wotherspoon was sent off soon after he came on for an elbow on Florian Flecker.

McDiarmid Park defender Shaun Rooney was also dismissed in the 84th minute for conceding a penalty which was despatched by substitute Marko Raguz.

Before saying he would "absolutely not" be inviting Thalhammer in for a drink, Davidson said: "Their coach made a comment last week about us being a disgusting team to play and I let it go because maybe it got lost in translation.

"I now know it wasn't that.

"It's pretty disappointing to face another manager (like that) because I want to respect every manager.

"I'll always conduct myself that way no matter what the score is."

Davidson, whose double cup-winning side were knocked out of the Europa League by Galatasaray, admitted that Wotherspoon's challenge "didn't look great, he gives the referee a decision to make," but preferred to focus on his side's performance which he described was "phenomenal" for 70 minutes.

He said:  "I would rather talk about my players and their performance than the sending off. I am very proud of them.

"You look at the resources that LASK have compared to us, but we saw our team spirit.

"The outstanding achievements of last season have given us these games to enjoy but for me you want to progress.

"We have competed against two top teams in Europe, didn't let themselves down and we nearly got through.

"It has given them a taste of European football and I said to them let's make sure we get that again.

"It was a great atmosphere and the fans were brilliant as they were against Galatasaray. That is what you want at St Johnstone.

"They were performing against a team who have performed at a high level for the past couple of seasons.

"For this game and the Galatasaray game my players gave me everything they've got.

"Ultimately it was a sending off that cost us.

"It is frustrating every time you get a player sent off and it is difficult to deal with.

"LASK have some top players and they were able to change things in the second half.

"We will refocus straight away and we will move on."

ID:461036:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect3323:

Click here for more stories about Dominik Thalhammer

Click here for more stories about LASK Linz

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson pictured on August 5, 2021
Read Next:
Callum Davidson looking forward to return of 'big player' David Wotherspoon
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sturm Graz14102236152132
2Rapid Vienna147611812627
3Austria ViennaAustria Vienna148332013727
4Wolfsberger146262519620
5LASK LinzLASK146262221120
6Red Bull SalzburgSalzburg125341616018
7BW Linz145271720-317
8Hartberg134451617-116
9Austria KlagenfurtAustria Klagenfurt134361327-1415
10WSG Swarovski TirolSwarovski143471118-713
11Grazer AKGrazer142661826-812
12Rheindorf AltachRheindorf Altach142391220-89


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!