Conference League Qualification: Rapid Wien vs. ETO Györ for Group Stage

Rapid Vienna remains unbeaten this season under coach Peter Stöger and aims to continue this streak in the Conference League qualification against ETO Györ. "It will be a manageable task," said Peter Stöger on Wednesday. He added: "If we give it our all." It certainly won't be easy.

Conference League Qualification: Rapid Vienna Coach Stöger Warns Against ETO Györ

"We are actually on track as we expected or hoped at the beginning of the season," explained Stöger. Against Györ, however, "everything must fit" once again. At first glance, one might label the club with the colors green and white as an "easy opponent," said the Viennese. "But if you know how the market has developed, how teams are assembled in so-called smaller leagues, you know that this is a good team that played a very, very good spring, has financial capabilities and tradition." Already against Dundee United, "everyone saw how difficult it was," added sports director Markus Katzer. "We have to go to our performance limit." Stöger reiterated: "There is nothing easy anymore, even in the Austrian league you have to give it your all to win the games."

Hungary is Stöger's Coaching Past

Stöger's last coaching position before his engagement with Rapid was in the summer and autumn of 2021 at Ferencvaros Budapest. The four-time Hungarian champion ETO Györ, formerly known as Raba Györ, named after the large vehicle manufacturer based in the city, played in the second league during this time. Through Hungarian friends, Stöger has remained informed about developments in the neighboring country. "It is a team strong in play, very dangerous in the offensive area. Also very dangerous in set pieces," he said. "The shooters they have are exceptional."

There have been no encounters between the two teams at the European Cup level. On Sunday, Györ celebrated a 7:2 victory at MTK Budapest, moving up to sixth place in the league with their first win of the season. Although ETO had home advantage, the match took place in Budapest after a change, as the pitch at the nearly 16,000-seat ETO Park is in very poor condition due to a fungus infestation. Additionally, one stand is closed, but the Rapid sector with over 500 booked tickets is open.

Rapid's midfielder Mamadou Sangaré will no longer be part of the team, as his transfer to RC Lens in the French league was made official on Wednesday evening. "It's clear that he was one of the better players," said Stöger. "But we already have options." The preemptively signed, designated replacement Martin Ndzie is still waiting for his red-white-red card. However, the Cameroonian could be ready for the return leg in Vienna next week, provided all formalities are completed.

Zivkovic Not Yet a Regular at Györ

The former Rapid player Jovan Zivkovic, brought in by Györ, is not yet part of the first eleven. The 19-year-old offensive player was released by Rapid in July after failing to establish himself in Vienna. Although he was credited with great talent from many sides, under coaches Zoran Barisic and Robert Klauß, he only had sporadic appearances. Now he is part of the young squad of coach Balazs Borbely, who, in addition to Hungarian talents, also has several legionnaires, especially from the surrounding countries, under his wing. So far, Zivkovic has made three brief appearances.

(APA/Red)

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