SV Guntamatic Ried is expecting what is probably the most difficult task in the Bundesliga at the moment tomorrow, Sunday: the Innviertlers are guests at Sturm Graz (5 p.m.). For the Styrians, the duel with the Vikings will be the end of an incredible October: It is the ninth competitive game this month, the Black and Whites have remained unbeaten in the previous eight games – whether in the league, Europa League or ÖFB Cup. And that against teams like Lazio Rom, Salzburg or on Thursday against Feyenoord Rotterdam (1-0).
After four unbeaten league games, Ried is also going to Graz with self-confidence – and with Michael Madl he also has a real Sturm connoisseur in his own ranks. The 34-year-old played 128 competitive games for Graz from 2012 to 2015, many even as captain. In the summer he was hired by Ried as Christian Heinle’s assistant coach and mainly takes care of the defence. “It’s a lot of fun for me. If we push our limits every game, there’s still a lot possible.”
“Brutally worked upstairs”
The development of his former club makes him enthusiastic: “Sturm has worked its way up brutally,” says Madl, who also has a close connection to Graz’s successful protagonists: Coach Christian Ilzer was Madl’s coach at Austria, with sports director Andreas Schicker he has attended the Stronach Academy together when they were young. “I’ve known Schicki forever. He’s a hard worker who’s always honest. I’m extremely happy for him.”
The fact that his former coach Ilzer is so successful in Graz doesn’t surprise him either: “At Sturm he has the types of players that he needs for his system with the diamond. Year after year the team is supplemented with puzzle pieces, that was maybe with Austria not possible. He can kindle a real fire in you.”
Pure passion, which Rieds Kicker will also need tomorrow.
Source: Nachrichten
