Summit meeting in the 2nd football league: Even before the start of the season, SV Ried and Admira were considered the big favorites for the title, at least before today’s first meeting in the twelfth round, the experts were right. In the end, only one of the top duo can be promoted – even if both clubs already have a lot of things for the Bundesliga.
The season so far: After eleven rounds, Admira leads the second highest division with 25 points and an average points per game of 2.27. The Vikings are just behind with 23 points and a points average of 2.1. “It’s a real highlight game. Such big challenges bring opportunities to grow further. That’s what we’re aiming for,” says Ried coach Maximilian Senft.
The finances: Tomorrow’s game is not only a duel between the title candidates, but also the budget emperors: Ried has a second division budget of almost six million euros – and is therefore financially in the same league as Admira or St. Pölten.
The squad: Ried’s hospital is thinning out in terms of personnel: Wilfried Eza, Antonio Van Wyk and David Bumberger, who were recently injured, were back at training, but there is still a question mark over Ante Bajic’s deployment. In terms of quality, Ried probably has the best squad in the league – Admira relies on enormous experience off the pitch. The signing of ex-Wattens coach Thomas Silberberger in the summer was a real coup. With sports director Peter Stöger and technical director Ralf Muhr, they also have expertise at official level like no other second division team.
The environment: With a stadium or training center, both clubs have an infrastructure that many Bundesliga clubs can only dream of – as well as their own academy, which once again produced kickers for higher leagues in the summer. Ried sold two kickers from his own youth academy, Belmin Beganovic and Arjan Malic, to champions Sturm Graz, Diego Madritsch went to Altach and Michael Matosevic to the youth department of Bayern Munich. The Südstädter also earned considerable transfer sums with Jakob Schöller (Rapid) and David Puczka (Juventus Turin).
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**Interview with SV Ried Coach Maximilian Senft on the Upcoming Clash with Admira**
**Interviewer:** Maximilian, thank you for joining us today. The anticipation is palpable as your team is set to face Admira in what many are calling a pivotal moment in the 2. Liga. What are your thoughts heading into this match?
**Maximilian Senft:** Thank you for having me. It’s certainly an exciting time for both teams. We’ve been preparing well and understand the significance of this encounter. It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase our growth and resilience on the pitch.
**Interviewer:** Admira currently leads the table, with you closely behind. Does the pressure of this rivalry impact your players’ mindset leading up to the game?
**Maximilian Senft:** Pressure can be a double-edged sword. I think it can either weigh you down or push you to perform at your best. We’ve embraced the challenge – every big game like this stimulates growth. Our goal is to focus on our performance rather than external expectations.
**Interviewer:** Your squad has had some injury concerns, but it seems like players are returning to training. How crucial is the health of your players in such high-stakes matches?
**Maximilian Senft:** It’s crucial indeed. A fully fit squad allows us to employ our tactics effectively and gives us the depth to handle what Admira can throw at us. We’re optimistic about a few returning players, but we’ll have to assess them closely right up until kickoff.
**Interviewer:** Both clubs have impressive financial backing and infrastructure, which speaks to the stability and ambition of the 2. Liga. How does this environment contribute to your team’s success?
**Maximilian Senft:** It’s important. Resources allow us to develop our squad and facilities properly, and they help in attracting and nurturing talent. Our youth academy has been a significant contributor, and the recent transfers reflect that. Clubs like ours maintain a level of professionalism that’s essential for success and growth.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what would a win against Admira mean for SV Ried in terms of your aspirations for promotion?
**Maximilian Senft:** A win would be monumental, not just for the points but for the morale of the team and the belief that we can compete at the highest level. It would also solidify our position as serious contenders for promotion, which has always been our goal this season.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Maximilian, for your insights. Best of luck in the match!
**Maximilian Senft:** Thank you! We’ll definitely give it our all.
