Bacher’s rapid rise fuels Austria’s Nations League hopes

Under the bright floodlights of the Linz stadium, 25‑year‑old Felix Bacher steps onto the pitch, a recent Olympique Lyon starter now poised to make his Austria debut in the Nations League clash against Israel at 20.45 on Thursday.

From Tirol to Lyon in months

Bis Juli 2024 the former centre‑back featured for WSG Tirol, then, a month and a half ago, he moved to Portuguese side Estoril before securing a permanent place at Olympique Lyon. Lyon paid a reported 4.3 million euros to Estoril for the transfer.

Since joining Lyon, Bacher has logged five Ligue 1 appearances, playing the full ninety minutes in every league match and even scoring a goal. He also featured in a Europa League tie, contributing to a club record of four wins and two draws, the latest being a 4‑0 victory over Stade Rennes.

At Lyon he now works under Portuguese manager Paulo Fonseca, whose tactical ideas Bacher says those of the Austria national Team. “We press high and fight Mann‑on‑Mann,” he notes, highlighting the similarity to the national side’s style.

National team debut on the line

The call‑up to Austria’s A‑Team marked a dream come true for the Osttirol native. “I have expected it a little, but it is still cool and exciting,” Bacher said after his first training camp in Windischgarsten.

Wie Bacher explains, the upcoming Nations League fixtures – Thursday in Linz versus Israel and Sonntag in Wien against Kosovo at 18.00, both broadcast live on ORF1 – will determine whether he earns his Debüt. Competition for places remains fierce.

He stresses that his personal aim is simple: “I want the Team to perform well and collect the maximum points in four games. Which role I play is secondary.” He added that playing all four matches is unlikely, so he will take whatever comes.

Having begun his career as a striker, then a number‑ten in U15 and a defensive midfielder in U18, Bacher’s unorthodox journey to centre‑back underlines his adaptability. His rapid ascent from WSG Tirol to Olympique Lyon and the Austria squad could inspire other Austrian defenders aiming for the highest level.