Daniel Luxbacher – A Farewell with Positive Thoughts
Daniel Luxbacher joined Vienna in 2021. For four years, he was a key figure in the attacking midfield, playing a crucial role in the club’s rise from the Regionalliga Ost to Austria’s second division. Last week, he was given a warm send-off at the Hohe Warte, applauded by fans and teammates alike. Now, he looks back on his journey – and ahead to what’s next.
Why did you become a footballer?
It probably started with my dad’s passion for football, maybe also because of my brother Bernhard. And to be honest, David Alaba might have played a part too – we were classmates at school in Polgargasse. I was always chasing a ball around as a kid in Hirschstetten, and when I was ten, I joined FC Stadlau, where I learned the basics of the game.
You’ve played for Rapid II, FC Lustenau, SC Altach, and St. Pölten. How do you look back on those years?
When football is your passion, you’re willing to travel a lot for the game. Sure, moving to Vorarlberg wasn’t easy at first – I was homesick. But once you're on the training pitch or stepping out for a match, there’s no room for nostalgia. Playing for different clubs, in different leagues, was a great learning experience and helped shape me as a professional.
My wife joined me in Vorarlberg after finishing her studies, and in 2017 our first daughter was born. That was the moment I knew we wanted to move back to Vienna as a family. I joined SKN St. Pölten and played in the Bundesliga before making the switch to Vienna in 2021.
Did you have any footballing role models?
Not really. Maybe just a few players who impressed me. I’d say the Spaniards Cesc Fàbregas and Andrés Iniesta. Both played in midfield, like me, and I really admired their style.
At St. Pölten, you had nine coaches in four years. Quite a range of personalities. What makes a good coach in your eyes?
Tactically and professionally, coaches these days are all well-prepared. They use modern tools for training and video analysis, so there’s not much difference in that area. For me personally, what matters most is that a coach is honest and authentic. If he’s also got a good sense of humour, I know I’m in good hands.
How do you deal with not being able to play?
It depends. I once had to sit out for eight months due to a hip injury – that was tough. It really got to me, not being able to play and only watching from the sidelines. But the recovery was straightforward and I knew what to expect.
It’s a different story when you feel fit and strong but still don’t get picked. Every footballer goes through those mental lows – it’s tough and it definitely knocks your confidence. But I’ve always tried to stay positive and keep pushing in training regardless. My family plays a big role in helping me get through those tougher moments.
You’re now 33 and have spent many years in the game. What do you do better today than in the past?
Maybe I’m not quite as quick over the first few metres as I used to be, but apart from that, I still feel like I’m at my peak. I’ve gained a lot of match experience, I’m physically more robust, and I take better care of my nutrition. My fitness levels are still very high. I probably couldn’t run a full marathon, but a half-marathon? I think I could manage that (laughs). My strengths – ball control and passing – are still very much there. Above all, I’m still highly motivated and I genuinely enjoy playing football just as much as ever.
Your time at Vienna has come to an end. What’s next for you?
What’s certain is that I’ll keep playing and stay active in the game. I’m confident that a new club and a fresh challenge will come along soon. Which league? I’m open to that. The full package has to make sense – both from a sporting and family point of view. I’m leaving Vienna with only good memories. It was a great chapter. Now I’m looking forward to what’s next and ready to go again.
