Austria arrive with hopes high
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
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"We have big expectations," said Austria's ambassador to France as she welcomed Marcel Koller's side at Avignon-Provence airport, hoping they will have a long stay in Mallemort.
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The Austria squad touched down at Avignon-Provence airport at 14:53 on Wednesday, seven minutes late but with spirits soaring ahead of the country's first major tournament since UEFA EURO 2008.
Coach Marcel Koller was the first to disembark, leading his players off towards the team bus waiting to take them to their hotel in Mallemort. Bayern München's David Alaba was one of several players who paused to take selfies or pose for photos on the tarmac along with goalkeeper Ramazan Özcan and captain Christian Fuchs – both veterans of the 2008 finals.
Austria's ambassador to France, Ursula Plassnik, was one of several dignitaries on hand to welcome the squad to France, and told UEFA.com: "We're very happy to welcome the Austrian national team and their coach. We have big expectations, just as the whole of Austria does, but we are also sure we have the best conditions here for them to prepare."
Plassnik formed part of the convoy that accompanied the squad from the airport to the Hotel Moulin De Vernegues, a secluded spot just outside the village of Mallemort, which is surrounded by pine trees and boasts an array of modern amenities including Austrian television. "There were over 300 French locations to choose from; Mallemort was the favourite," said Plassnik. "I think we have the best conditions here."
