2023-09-17 19:59:00
“There is still a lot to do, but with the help of the officials and players we will manage it until the game,” says Josef Rosenberger, one of three Union Gurten chairmen. On Wednesday, September 27th, “Football Austria” will look at record champions Rapid on the one hand and the regional league club from the Innviertel on the other. “It’s a dream draw,” says Gottfried Weinberger, also chairman of the Gurtner Kicker. The duel between David and Goliath in the Klaus Roitinger Stadium in Ried is arousing great interest among football fans in the Innviertel. So far, more than 4,000 tickets have been sold and the 1,100 seats were sold out in no time. According to the requirements of the Ried district administration, a total of 6,500 fans are admitted to the David versus Goliath game. Those who can’t make it to the stadium can watch the game live on ORF. “It’s clear to us that it’s not primarily our fault, but our performance once morest Salzburg last season is certainly memorable,” says Rosenberger.
Image: Reinhard Schröckelsberger
When it comes to safety, the ÖFB leaves nothing to chance; the game was declared a safety game. “After it was clear that we would not be able to play in the Innviertel Arena this year, there were very positive discussions with the Ried municipality. There is also a spirit of optimism among the groundskeepers. In general, the whole thing is a huge effort, but we are really looking forward to this big sporting highlight for Union Gurten,” says Rosenberger. Around 80 to 85 helpers are needed for the serving alone. “I am convinced that we have a chance once morest Rapid. Maybe we can trip up the Viennese. “It’s possible,” says Weinberger confidently.
Image: Reinhard Schröckelsberger
“Shoot one and get none”
Nothing will change in the rhythm of preparation, says Peter Madritsch, who is already in his sixth season as head coach in Gurten. “This team always goes into the game with full commitment. Everyone gives it their all,” says Madritsch and adds: “The constellation at our club with the coaching team and many players who have been playing here for a long time is second to none. “We’ll see how long the journey lasts, but Gurten is my heart’s content,” says Madritsch. When asked how he analyzed Rapid’s season so far, the 49-year-old replied briefly and succinctly: “As Gurten’s coach, it is certainly not my place to assess the situation at Rapid.” Rapid is in a “completely different situation Football world, I take my hat off to that. The fans are amazing.” And his team’s chances? “Our biggest chance is that we don’t actually have any and that’s exactly what we want to use.” Madritsch sees the desired course of the game with a wink: “We shoot one and don’t get one.”
When asked regarding the venue, Madritsch’s eyes begin to light up. “I was in this stadium as a little boy, I have SV Ried in my heart and blood. It is a huge honor for me and the team to play in the Klaus Roitinger Stadium. Roitinger is the football figurehead in the Innviertel. He stands for the football miracle Ried,” says Madritsch.
See you once more with Ante Bajic
There will be a reunion with ex-Gurtner Ante Bajic on September 27th. The 28-year-old made the jump to Rapid Vienna via SV Ried . “He’s a great guy, I’m really looking forward to the game once morest him and Rapid. Ante is one of us. If he gets a chance, he’ll stop by our place in Gurten. Many of our team are still in close contact with him. Everyone granted him this jump,” says Gurten captain Thomas Reiter. “It doesn’t matter where you go. Whether on any football pitch or in a pub. This game once morest Rapid is immediately the number one topic. But we as a team still have to complete our mandatory tasks in the regional league. Only then will we concentrate on Rapid,” says Reiter, who predicts a hot dance for the big favorite from the federal capital: “We have shown more often in recent years that we can keep up once morest good opponents, including in the preparation once morest RCD Mallorca. Rapid is on a similar level. If we can all reach our full potential, then we have a chance,” says Reiter. The defender describes the day of perhaps the biggest game of his (so far) career like this: “I’ll work until 1 or 2 p.m. Then I lie down on the couch for a moment. Afterwards, since I live in Ried, I walk to the stadium. And then we’ll get Rapid here.”
Image: Reinhard Schröckelsberger
Author
Thomas Streif
Innviertel editorial team
Thomas Streif
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