Rapid learns from transfer mistakes and stays top of the table

In Vienna's Hütteldorf stadium, cheers echo after the convincing 2-0 victory over champions LASK, while the red flags flutter in the wind and fans rekindle the hope for the coveted title since 2008.

Just as a year ago, SK Rapid tops the Admiral Bundesliga after the eighth round. The convincing 2-0 win in the showdown against champions LASK once again fuels the hope of ending the long title drought. The current league leader thereby shows that the season is far from decided.

That was already the case in the previous season, the outcome was then known. Back then Rapid also suffered a setback after a strong start and expectations were dampened. The parallels illustrate why lessons from the past are now especially important.

Lessons from the Transfers

"We have learned our lessons," said Rapid sporting director Markus Katzer in the ORF interview. The "learnings" concern transfers and premature dreaming. After the bitter Europa Cup exit against Heart of Midlothian, Katzer criticised that the previous year three players – including Tobias Gulliksen – were integrated into the starting eleven, which has not happened in the current season. The word "learning" was emphasized several times.

The 46-year-old Katzer added that only a few transfers have been made now, to keep the squad together. Coach Johannes Hoff Thorup knows the players, has half a year to implement his playing idea, and the joy of playing is high. This continuity is already evident in the improved teamwork on the pitch.

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Development under Hoff Thorup

Under the Danish successor Johannes Hoff Thorup, Rapid have collected seven wins, one loss and thus 21 points, while the sole defeat was a 1-5 against Salzburg. By comparison, a year ago Rapid under Peter Stöger after eight rounds had five wins, two draws, one loss and 17 points, before a slump and Stöger's departure followed.

Katzer emphasized that the lessons from the loss in Salzburg – especially the defensive weakness – have now been implemented. Since then Rapid have kept a clean sheet in all three subsequent league games, and the squad appears focused on the domestic competitions, while champions LASK fight in the Champions League and Red Bull Salzburg as well as Sturm Graz battle in the Europa League.

The focus is now on the cup and the league title. Katzer explained that international duties do bring experience, but are very demanding and player availability was a problem last season. Now one can fully concentrate on the cup and the title chase.

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The longing for the first title since 2008 is strong, but around Hütteldorf things remain calm. "Last year everyone talked about the title, I don't hear that anymore," Katzer said with a smile. He stressed that both the environment and the fans are learning and that dreams can come true if one stays consistent. (Mathias Mandl, ORF Sport)