Amicable Tone Prevails Ahead of Vienna Derby 346: Exploring the Unusual Camaraderie in the Build-up
Ready for the showdown at the Vienna Derby? The air is charged between these two rivals, and it ain't just about football. Stephan Helm, Austria's coach, tosses bouquets to Rapid, praising their long-time coach, Stefan Kulovits. Kulovits returns the favor, giving credit to Helm for Austria's current top spot.
For Rapid, it's been a tough start, with no goals in two games under Kulovits. He's honest about it, admitting they need more depth and precision in attacks. As for the starting lineup for the derby, it's yet to be decided, with the whole squad keeping their focus high.
Kulovits yearns for a derby comeback, wanting to give something back to the fans after their disappointments. Fifth place is the goal, and he's determined to chase it with every last ounce of effort.
The club's Sporting Director, Markus Katzer, is in talks about a contract extension. His wish? A season that ends with a blue eye, with the European Cup ticket secured no matter what.
Meanwhile, Rapid's star player, Mamadou Sangare, is on the brink of a lucrative sale. The proceeds could fund reinforcements for the squad. Katzer believes in building upon the current squad, but they also need to analyze why the spring was so tough and make needed adjustments for the summer.
Austria is keen to hold on to loan players like Nik Prelec (Cagliari), Maurice Malone (Basel), and Matteo Perez-Vinlof (Bayern), as they have purchase options but high prices attached. Despite the stadium sale, Austria is not swimming in money, as they still need to pay off old debts.
In the central midfield, a six is being sought. Regardless of how the season ends for Rapid, they'll start the next one with a European Cup competition, with only the competition and phase undecided. Comparatively, the coaching team will start working at a higher level next season, as Stephan Helm also knows.
Aleksandar Dragovic of Austria spoke of a title in the coming years. The foundation has been laid, and the way forward looks promising. So, buckle up for an exciting race to the finish line in the Austrian Bundesliga and the UEFA Conference League!
Stephan Helm, Austria's coach, has given credit to Stefan Kulovits, Rapid's long-time coach, for their current top spot in the league. Rapid, however, has struggled with no goals in two games under Kulovits, who openly admits they need more depth and precision in their attacks. The club's Sporting Director, Markus Katzer, is in talks about a contract extension, hoping for a season that ends with a European Cup ticket secured. Rapid's star player, Mamadou Sangare, is on the brink of a lucrative sale, with the proceeds potentially funding reinforcements for the squad. In the central midfield, a six is being sought to boost their performance in the upcoming UEFA Conference League.
