“The club’s clear goal is promotion to the Bundesliga”

With some new signings, including Martin Rasner, David Berger, Felix Wimmer and Saliou Sané, SV Guntamatic Ried started preparations for the 2024/2025 second division season with the first team training on Tuesday morning on the sports field of the Therme Geinberg.

Not present were left-back Lumor, who only landed in Vienna yesterday evening, and striker Wilfried Eza, who will only join the team in a few days for family reasons.

A year ago, the club announced a “two-year plan” for promotion. “We are entering the season as the current runners-up. Now we want to take the next step. The club’s clear goal is promotion to the Bundesliga,” said President Thomas Gahleitner, adding: “We have managed our finances soundly, and many sponsors have even increased their contributions. There may still be one or two surprises in terms of sponsorship. This shows that we can build on a very good foundation.”

The squad planning is as good as complete, said Wolfgang Fiala, sports director. Nils Seufert is no longer in the plans, and he was not present at the start of training yesterday. However, departures are not ruled out, and in this case the club would react on the transfer market. “There is interest in many of our players. This is also the result of the good work that was done last year,” said Fiala.

Video: Interview with SV Ried sports director Wolfgang Fiala

Regarding Sturm Graz’s specific interest in 18-year-old Arjan Malic, the sports director said: “The fact that a player from our academy has aroused the interest of a Champions League participant is an honor for our coaching team.” According to OÖN information, a possible transfer of the great talent could bring in around half a million euros.

Intensive preparation

“We went through various phases last season. I think the team and the coaching staff have matured as a result. We have a hot summer ahead of us with a very intensive five-week preparation period with several test matches.” The competition in the squad has increased again, said head coach Maximilian Senft. “I know what I have at SV Ried. I was given the feeling that I was needed,” said Philipp Pomer, who recently extended his contract with SV Ried. “The fire is burning, and not just in me. We will do everything we can to achieve our goal of returning to the Bundesliga. But we know that we have to stay grounded and work very hard,” said goalkeeper Andreas Leitner.