Image: GEORG HOCHMUTH (APA)
Austria’s team boss Ralf Rangnick spoke out emphatically for international matches in Rapid’s Allianz Stadium: At the “Football Congress” in that very arena, the German called for regular appearances by the ÖFB selection in the green-white home ground, which holds around 24,000 spectators in international games. Rapid had already rejected this request in the past – and managing director Steffen Hofmann was reluctant to do so.
Again, Rangnick lacks the understanding. “We only have one bigger stadium here in Vienna, the Ernst Happel Stadium. In order to create a good atmosphere there, it has to be full and we have to play at the highest level. Even then, it’s not exactly scary when the distance because of the track is so big. When you sit in the last tier you need binoculars to follow the game. That’s why I don’t think the Ernst Happel Stadium is really suitable. The Allianz Stadium is just under 30,000 spectators the opportunity to create such an atmosphere,” said Rangnick, according to “90minuten.at”.
The new LASK Raiffeisen Arena on the Gugl is a little smaller. The first two World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan (March 24) and Estonia (March 27) will take place there. Rapid’s rejection increases the chance of further ÖFB guest appearances in Linz.
According to the team boss, nobody in Germany would see it if the DFB team were not allowed to play in a stadium because the fans of the club in question were against it. Rangnick would like support from politicians. A situation should arise “where the mayor, the federal chancellor, the sports minister, no matter who, all say: Of course the national team plays in the Rapid stadium”.
Rangnick also said: “If I imagine that we play against Sweden here in the Allianz Stadium – the stadium has everything you need for such qualifiers. There would only be winners and I can’t understand why such a thing could even be questioned Rapid Vienna wins because we pay rent. The club gains in reputation. Rapid fans win, who would be invited to occupy their entire block and support us.”
No additional games because of the residents
Rapids managing director Steffen Hofmann was waiting. The matter will be discussed internally, the German announced and also said that there were issues to be clarified “that are not within Rapid”. Hofmann was probably referring to the agreement with the residents, according to which no additional events should take place in the stadium apart from Rapid home games.
In addition, Hofmann explained with a view to the Rangnick statements: “I also want a lot of things, my children want a lot of things, sometimes you don’t get them.” You will “certainly not let anyone force anything on you,” said the 43-year-old.
Source: Nachrichten
