Bellegarde initially assumed the French would be retreating, but when Austrian patrols spotted a strong 'rearguard' presence across the Mincio, he decided not to commit as many troops as originally planned and ordered the reserve division under General Franz von Merville to remain on the east bank at Pozzolo, a decision which probably saved his army from disaster.
Initially believing the French were retreating, Bellegarde changed his strategy when Austrian patrols discovered a strong rearguard force across the Mincio River. He decided not to commit as many troops as planned and ordered General Franz von Merville's reserve division to remain on the east bank at Pozzolo, a decision that likely saved his army from disaster.