Austria Klagenfurt has tied offensive talent Matthias Dollinger jun. to a new contract until 2029 – a clear signal of the continuity plan after the drop to the Regionalliga Süd. The 22‑year‑old home‑grown player remains a key figure in a rebuild that focuses on internal recruitment and long‑term club identity.

Why was Dollinger extended?

General manager Zeljko Karajica stressed that the new deal sends a message to the whole academy. “We want to keep this path and continue to rely on players from our own environment,” he said. After seasons in the Bundesliga and 2. Liga, the club now wants its own products to form the squad’s backbone. Dollinger, a product of the club’s youth system, is seen as a role model for the next wave.

How does this fit the current league picture?

At the moment Austria Klagenfurt sit 12th in the 2. Liga with 30 points, 9 wins, 6 draws and 13 losses from 28 games. They have scored 33 goals and conceded 44 (‑11 goal difference), sitting 24 points behind leaders Austria Lustenau. Their latest result was a 2‑3 defeat to FC Liefering on 14 May 2026, part of a recent form of LLWWD, with the last two matches lost.

What does the decision mean for the 2026/27 season?

With Dollinger’s new contract, the club plans to use the Regionalliga Süd not just as a stop‑over but as a springboard back to the 2. Liga. The forward said he wants to stay with his hometown club despite the third‑tier competition: “I want to keep going here and especially help Austria get back to professional football.” The extension is therefore more than a personnel move – it embodies the new club philosophy of identity, continuity and local talent development.

What are the next steps?

The sporting department is already drafting a structured youth plan that will bring more home‑grown players into the first team. At the same time, the coaching staff will adapt tactics to the strengths of younger squad members. The aim is a steady promotion achieved through a sustainable system rather than short‑term signings. Fans can expect to see more academy products on the pitch in the coming months.

Dollinger’s contract renewal stands as a flagship example of the long‑term direction Austria Klagenfurt has taken after the recent sporting setback. The combination of a clear philosophy and hard numbers – 12th place, 30 points, 33 goals – gives the club a measurable foundation for a future climb back up.