Soccer (Football)
Red Bull Salzburg striker Patson Daka on goals, cooking and Liverpool duo
The Zambian forward, one of the latest on the conveyor belt of talent at the Austrian champions, is motivated to fire the team to further glory and emulate former club stars Sadio Mané and Naby Keïta.
Patson Daka has enjoyed a breakout season for Red Bull Salzburg this campaign with 18 goals to his name so far.
The 21-year-old Zambian has been a regular on the scoresheet under Jesse Marsch’s reign and, in the absence of Erling Haaland and Takumi Minamino, is motivated to consistently produce the goals for one of the most exciting teams in European football.
Having returned to training this week while still following strict health rules and guidance in Austria, Daka said of being a feared striker: “I think that’s my motivation.
“I think it’s every player’s dream to always be consistent and help the team succeed, which is my main goal. I’m very happy and excited with the performances that I’ve had so far and I just hope that it continues like this and that I can help the team as much as I can.”
Daka is one of many African players to make their mark at the club, with the likes of Sadio Mané and Naby Keïta also excelling at the Red Bull Arena earlier in their careers.
Manager Jesse Marsch leads training
© Jasmin Walter / GEPA
And the Liverpool pairing, who both featured in the 4-3 Champions League win at Anfield over Red Bull Salzburg last October, continue to serve as inspiration.
“They inspire me in so many ways in their personality, their professionalism and seeing also that they come from Africa – where I come from – it’s a motivation to know that if they can make it, I can also make it,” Daka said.
I also stand a chance because knowing that [Sadio Mané and Naby Keïta] were here, me coming here to experience the things that they’ve been experiencing it’s a great motivation for me to go forward.
In the recent weeks away from the training ground, Daka, alongside working on his own physical programme and Zoom chats with team-mates, has been learning how to cook but insists there is no chance in a change of career path anytime soon.
Andre Ramalho at Red Bull Salzburg training
© Jasmin Walter / GEPA
He revealed: “I’ve been cooking but I’m still learning! I really missed football and I feel alive today. I feel like something was missing in me and I have finally found it.”
Much like Daka, manager Jesse Marsch has been relishing the chance to be reunited with his playing and coaching staff in person but the American admitted there would be challenges ahead for his squad.
Marsch said: “Our biggest challenge is making sure we’re 100 percent fit and ready for the next 11 games which will define our season. It’s a big chance for us to achieve some big goals and that’s what we’re focused on right now, making sure we’re doing everything we can to make a big push here in the next two, three months.”