When SPG Wels won 3-1 in Weiz, Rene Swete made his first official appearance as the new sports director of the club from the trade fair city. In an interview with OÖN, the former Bundesliga goalie from Hartberg spoke regarding his goals in Wels, a special discovery and his former club Hartberg.
OÖN: You are taking over the sporting management at SPG Wels – how did that come regarding?
Rene Swete: Club manager Peter Huliak contacted me. After a telephone conversation we met in person. Finally, I gave a presentation to the board members. I immediately felt that FC Hertha Wels was the club where I saw my future sporting home.
What excites you regarding the project in Wels?
The club simply has incredible potential. Not only in terms of infrastructure with the stadium, training facilities and youth center, but also the environment is really good. But it’s all pointless if you don’t take advantage of it. There are upward ambitions, but patience will also be required. But of course: We don’t want to play in the regional league for another five years.
With your former club Hartberg you showed how to march through from the regional league to the Bundesliga…
(laughs) That happened very unexpectedly, it certainly wasn’t planned. What made us so special: the team unity. In terms of quality, we certainly wouldn’t have been at the top.
You most recently worked as a scout at Hartberg – and, among other things, brought Maximilian Entrup back from the lower house to the Bundesliga. He has now made it to the national team, does that make you proud?
I come from Vienna, so I always had an eye on the Regionalliga East and often watched him at his previous club Marchfeld. It became clear to me relatively quickly: Maxi is perfect for what Markus Schopp demands from a striker in Hartberg. Of course, you can never know that it will work out like this. We’ve already hit a real jackpot.
The position of sports director at “your” club, TSV Hartberg – was that never an issue?
No, because this position is very well filled by Markus. I was able to pick up and learn a lot in the scouting area. But catfish is now the optimal next step for me.
You once said: In terms of infrastructure, Hartberg hasn’t quite made the upward move yet – how well positioned is Wels?
Anyone who is involved with the regional league knows that Wels has a top base. Some clubs higher up can only dream of that.
Although you might have played as a goalkeeper for a few more years, you ended your active career as a Bundesliga goalie at the age of 32. Why?
The decision wasn’t easy, but I’ve always wanted to make a difference in clubs. As a kicker you can only influence your own performance. I love football, but I don’t miss playing it myself at the moment – I wanted to get out of this cage. The current constellation is a perfect match for me.
Author
Raphael Watzinger
Sports editor
Raphael Watzinger
