In the question of the future of the Vienna Happel Stadium, speculation has arisen about a disagreement between football team manager Ralf Rangnick and Vienna's sports councilor Peter Hacker (SPÖ). Rangnick has repeatedly spoken out clearly in favor of a comprehensive renovation of the arena, including the removal of the running track and lowering of the pitch, and he also wants to have investors on hand for this. Hacker expressed himself cautiously about this in the "Kurier" on Monday.

"If the team manager thinks about the stadium and airs them publicly, that's his business. The question arises whether this belongs to the core competencies of a team manager. In any case, we have no concrete plans," Hacker was quoted as saying. The sports councilor told the APA on Tuesday: "We should not artificially create conflicts. There is no conflict between me and the team manager."

Hacker took part in the official topping-out ceremony of the ÖFB Campus in Vienna-Donaustadt on Tuesday. Originally, Rangnick and at least some players were also scheduled to attend - however, the German canceled. Among the players, David Alaba, Marko Arnautovic, Christoph Baumgartner, Xaver Schlager, Michael Gregoritsch, and Konrad Laimer took a look on site, but returned to the hotel in the city center before the event began.

ÖFB Canceled Media Appointment at Short Notice

A media appointment originally scheduled for 3:00 PM with ÖFB players was canceled at short notice - an extremely unusual measure two days before the important Nations League play-off first leg against Serbia. The ÖFB stated that they wanted to "ensure optimal match preparation." No information was provided on a possible connection between the approach of Rangnick and Co. and Hacker's statements.

The construction of the ÖFB Campus consumes between 72 and 75 million euros. 23.14 million come from the city of Vienna. The city is also the owner of the Happel Stadium and therefore has the levers in hand for a renovation of the aging Prater Oval. According to Hacker, a "cool meeting" on the stadium issue took place last October with ÖFB representatives, in which Rangnick also participated. "That the team manager wants the coolest stadium in the world is clear. What else should he wish for, where is the surprise?" asked the politician.

However, it is important to consider multiple interests. "There is a participation process. The stadium is a facility where many things take place. When we talk about how we develop the stadium structurally, we have to align with many needs. The ÖFB articulates its needs when it comes to the national team, but it is primarily a concert venue, and the needs are quite different there. Other sports events also take place here, and we have them on the radar as well," emphasized Hacker.

Hacker: "What Does the Fun Cost and Who Can and Wants to Afford It?"

Whether Rangnick's ideas are feasible in his opinion, the city councilor left open. "My opinion doesn't matter at all. The technicians have to clarify if it's feasible, and then you have to know: What does the fun cost and who can and wants to afford it?" Hacker also said: "What is certain is that the stadium doesn't earn its money with three international matches a year. So we also have to clarify the economic questions, and we are miles away from that."

The international matches mean a "break-even" financially for the city of Vienna, Hacker recounted. "And as is well known, the national team doesn't only play in Vienna, but also in the federal states, which I find very sympathetic, and I say that as Vienna's sports councilor." Determining the locations for international matches "is a concept that the ÖFB has to consider. Therefore, my main conversation partner is logically the ÖFB and not the national coach."

Regarding Rangnick's potential investors, Hacker said: "There are no investors who have contacted me so far. Investors are also not the challenge. Investors want to make money, and finding someone who can make money with public infrastructure is not something that excites me."

Plans for Complete Roofing of Vienna's Happel Stadium "Put on Hold"

While a quasi-new construction as desired by Rangnick would probably cost several hundred million euros, Hacker has the city council's approval for an investment of 101 million euros for the revitalization of the Happel Stadium. About half of that is intended for complete roofing - whether it will actually happen, however, is uncertain. "We have currently put that on hold. There are different opinions on whether the roof is needed or not." By the end of the year, there should be some clarity on how to proceed with the Happel Stadium. Hacker: "Then we will be far enough along in the participation process to make further decisions."

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.