Rapid has appointed Peter Stöger as their new coach.
Veteran Austrian coach Peter Stöger takes the helm at Rapid Wien
After a month-long search, Peter Stöger has been confirmed as the new coach of Austrian football club Rapid Wien (Rapid Vienna). The 59-year-old former midfielder returns to the club after a 27-year absence, with a clear mission to propel the team into the top three of the league.
Stöger, a renowned figure in Austrian football and a club legend, will take charge following Rapid's Europa League play-off and will be presented to the public next Monday in Hütteldorf. Under his leadership, the team hopes to secure sporting success and tighten the defense for a more pragmatic approach on the pitch.
Rapid Wien's president, Alexander Wrabetz, expressed his approval of the appointment, stating, "Peter Stöger is one of the most experienced and best coaches in Austria in my opinion. We have had excellent personalities from within and outside the country, and the decision was only made a few days ago even within our own ranks."
Stöger's extensive coaching background includes a stint at Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga, where he managed the team during a challenging period in the 2017-18 season, securing a fourth-place finish. His reputation in both Austria and Germany is strong, thanks to his knowledge of Austrian football and experience at high levels in Europe.
In preparation for Stöger's arrival, the team plans to strengthen its squad with a new center forward, a defensive midfielder, and a left-back. Interim coach Stefan Kulovits will continue to play an important role in daily training, and Stöger is expected to bring another experienced assistant coach as well.
Stöger has been well-regarded by the Rapid fan base since his departure from the club in 1998, following a dispute with legendary coach Dokupil. His return to the club is seen as a key step in securing more sporting success and overcoming the team's five-year struggle to regain a top-three spot in the league, which is a historical low point for the club.
The new coaching appointment comes after former coach Robert Klauss and the squad had increasingly drifted apart, with business manager Steffen Hofmann voicing "great concerns for the spring" internally during the winter break. Stöger's primary objective will be to prove the right human touch and forge a lasting connection with the team, club, and loyal fans.
Peter Stöger, with his vast experience in Austrian and European leagues, aims to fortify Rapid Wien's defense and guide the team towards success in other sports, such as the domestic league. The new coach, known for his pragmatic approach on the pitch, will also focus on bolstering the squad with new players like a center forward, defensive midfielder, and left-back in preparation for the upcoming season.
