Feyenoord defense chief Gernot Trauner should have a lot to do today – that’s what Sturm Graz coach Christian Ilzer would like before today’s Europa League game in Rotterdam (6.45 p.m., ORF 1). “We want to be an outsider who dares to do something.”
More than 50,000 spectators will carry their team forward in the packed “De Kuip” (The Tub) so that the 4-2 in the opening match against Lazio Rome is not followed by the next setback in the race for promotion. The Styrians, on the other hand, gained self-confidence with the 1-0 win against Midtjylland. “We’re looking forward to this game in a stadium that’s sold out for every home game in the championship. We’re prepared for the energy that awaits us there,” said Ilzer.
His team should not be intimidated by the backdrop and an opponent who Ilzer classifies as a class above Mydtjylland. “We want to pose problems for Feyenoord with our virtues. We need a top performance and we have to have the confidence to play offensively there.”
“The win against Mydtjylland was good for self-confidence. We’re really looking forward to it, footballers live for games like this,” said Swiss defense chief Gregory Wüthrich, who is jointly responsible for the black and white defense that has been so strong so far. In the Bundesliga, the Grazers conceded only five goals in eight matches and none in the last three games.
Austria guest in Poznan
Austria, who are playing against Lech Poznan in the Europa Conference League today (9 p.m., Servus TV), are unbeaten in five competitive games – including the opener against Beer Sheva (0:0). “A very strong opponent awaits us,” said Austria coach Manfred Schmid. The squad of Poland has a market value twice as high as that of the Viennese. “But that doesn’t say anything about a chance in the game,” said Schmid, who warned against striker Mikael Ishak – and the Polish fans: “We’re expecting a cauldron. Half the stadium will burn with Bengals, with torches, if they’re good ones The mood is. That’s a huge home advantage.”
Austria improved again on the offensive: ex-LASK player Nikola Dovedan signed until the end of the season. The 28-year-old was without a club after his contract expired in Nuremberg, a move to Hamburg fell through. Dovedan is not eligible to play today.
Source: Nachrichten
