Grodig pulled out sensational win in Vienna

Bottom placed Grodig pulled out a surprising 2-0 win over Austria Vienna in Generali Arena. Goals form Sulimani and Ofous in second half ensure vital points for Salzburger in survival battle.

It was “all violet “in first 45 minutes, the home side pushed hard for opener but Grodig`s keeper Swete pulled off a string of fine saves to frustrate Torsten Fink's men.  He denied efforts from Holzhauser, Merlinger, Venuto and Shikov and managed to keep his team alive.

Just after the break Roy Kehat`s close-range header was kept out by Swete. Then it were the visitors who cheered. Holzhauser blunder in area was punished by Sulimani.

His only 4^th goal of the season, opened the way for only second away win in this campaign. Austria eventually recovered their composure and began to take control of the game without creating too many opportunities.

In the dying minutes Austria get caught with the classic counter. Ofosu sealed the victory after run on the right side from substitute Roman Wallner.

Postmatch comments:

Torsten Fink (Austria manager) : “We have to keep our confidence for the upcoming Derby. He (Holzhauser) knows himself that he doesn’t have to do this kind of mistakes.”

Peter Shottel (Grodig manager) : “We are happy that our loosing strike is over. I hope that this wouldn`t be to late finish for us”.

photo:fak.at

Conte “only” fifth Italian to guide Chlesea

Antonio Conte is “only” the fifth Italian to sit in Chelsea`s hot seat after Gianluca Viali ,Claudio Ranieri, Carlo Ancelotti and Roberto Di Mateo. Conte have signed 3 year contract until 2019 and in next three years the Italian will earn 20 million euros.

The first ever Italian manager in Chelsea was Gianluca Viali. He succeeded Rud Gulit in February 1998. Viali have won fifth trophies in less than three years.

First two came in 1998 when Chelsea won the League Cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup, by beating VfB Stuttgart with 1-0.  Next trophy for Chelsea was the European Super Cup after beating Real Madrid 1–0. The following season saw Chelsea ended on a high note when Vialli guided Chelsea to a win over Aston Villa in the 2000 FA Cup final. Last one was the FA Charity Shield when Chelsea outplayed Manchester United. Only five games into the season Vialli was sacked.

Second Italian in charge of Chelsea from 18 September 2000 to 30 May 2004 was Claudio Ranieri. Hi wasn’t successful like his previous country man. In four years Ranieri's build strong side but he didn’t win any silverwere. He was the first manager in the Roman Abramovic`s era.

After wining two Champions league titles with AC Milan, Carlo Ancelotti was brought to Chelsea to spark them in Europe. Ancelotti have won the Double (FA and Premier League) for the first time in Chelsea`s history in his first season but fail to bring Champions League “music” to Stamford Bridge. After less then 2 years he was sacked.  

But it was the another Italian that fulfil Abramovic`s dream. It was a former Chelsea player and Italian international Roberto di Mateo. As caretaker over Villas-Boas he guided Chelsea to FA Cup and Champions League success, beating Bayern Munich in the final on penalties. Not the less he was sacked six months later, after being given a two-year permanent deal.

Antonio Conte will be tenth manager in Roman Abramovic`s era. All previous managers except Gus Hidinik have been sacked by Russian tycoon.

Red Bull stays four clear on the top

Red Bull Salzburg defended their four-point lead at the Austrian Bundesliga after drawing 1-1 against Rapid at Ernst Happel Stadion in Vienna.

The "Ernst Happel Stadion" in Vienna has proved to be “unlucky” ground for "the greens". In last four matches played during last two seasons they have failed to manage a win over the "bulls". Two defeats and two draws.

After a quiet half hour, only the woodwork denied Rapid`s captain Stefan Hofmann from opening the score. By the end of the first half Rapid`s Schaub hits the post with header from a magnificent Kainz cross.

But even solid Walke could not prevent the opener only one minute into the second half. Schaub exchanged passes with Kainz on the edge of the area and calmly sent a left-footed finish into the bottom corner. Third goal for the talented Rapid`s striker, who was out for the most of the season due to series of injuries.

The Rapid`s goal woke up the visitors. Strebinger kept Soriano's curling strike out of the top corner with a fingertip save. The defending champions got the equalizer 15 minutes from final whistle. Duje Caleta-Car headed Ulmer curling cross into the back of the net. For Croatian defender that was first goal of this campaign.

Both sides had chances to win the match, Rapid came closest to finding the net before the final whistle when Alar dragged a shot wide from a good opening created by substitute Schobesberger.

photo:skrapid.at

Fuchs : We live our dream

After four years spell with German Schalke 04 the captain of Austrian national football team Christian Fuchs transferred last summer to Leicester in the English Premierleague. The team that last year survived in the last rounds of the season is about to do a world class sensation. In their wildest dreams Leicester players could not imagine , what happened them. Achievements passed the expectations of Christian Fuchs.

- This is something incredible,  and in any case something that I personally did not expect. Last year the team was saved in the last rounds, I came into preseason trainings and immediately saw the potential that the team has, I knew that the struggle for survival would be at stake, but that such things will unfold I haven`t expected - says Fuchs. 

Fuchs ,Vardy, Mahrez, Drinkwater led by Italian Claudio Ranieri live their dream. Till the end there are seven rounds, will Leicester wake up from his dream? Will it be a happy end?  -This is a dream, a dream that every player wants to dream, we are very close to achieving the impossible. There are still seven matches, the difference is only five points, is not advantage that would give us the opportunity to relax. But like in the national team also in Leicester we go step by step, we don`t look in the schedule, and we always try to give our best – said Fuchs.

Leicester City have already won a worldwide support to persist in the world of football where money turn the things around. Leicester are modern football 'Robin Hood`s'. 

- For football fans is always good when a small team lead to success, if you take a  look into the EC participating selections, you`ll see that are so many so to say football anonymous, but what we can see is that, that football can write an interesting stories . - says left full back.

He played "Russian" roulette with Vardy, Ranieiri "buys" pizza after victory without conceding a goal, and free days are something quite normal by the Italian. The attitude towards the players is something that surprised Austrian in Leicester.

- My family lives in New York, when I want to visit them, I got the green light from the club. In Germany it was unthinkable to travel during the season. I think everyone has the right to do what he wants in his free days - says Fuchs.

Fuchs will lead the Austrian team EC in France in Group F, there they will meet the national teams of Portugal, Hungary and Iceland.

Austria suffered bitter defeat

Austria have suffered bitter 2-1 defeat from Turkey 2-1 in a friendly match played in Vienna as a part of preparations for the upcoming European Championship in France. Junuzovic struck for the hosts who, despite the lead suffered defeat with goals  from the Bayer Leverkusen`s "playmaker" Hakan Calhanoglu and Barcelona`s  midfielder Arda Turan.

 

- I'm happy for the players and for the victory which is very important for our team, we wanted to continue our winning streak. Austria is a strong team without defeat in qualifiers and we knew how hard is to beat them at home soil, said Calhanoglu.

Turkey advanced to the final round in France, as one of the best third placed team. Narrow victory over Iceland managed in 89 minute opened the gates to France. There they will meet Croatia, the Czech Republic and Spain.

- It's hard to say how it will be there, you have to go step by step, we have a tough group won`t be an easy task but our goal is to qualify for the knockout phase - said the free kicks expert Hakan Calhanoglu.

Turkey coach Fatih Terim raises euphoria in the wake of European Championship. Turkey in this mini preparatory period recorded two wins over Sweden 2-1 and Austria 2-1.

- Each victory won at international level is important and significant. Of course we are happy with this victory, which will raise the morale of the team. Our chances in EC? It is still early to talk about it there is enough time to matches in France. - said the popular Emperor Fatih Terim.

After a series of victories, Austria had to "poke" hand and to congratulate. Team Engine David Alaba, stressed that the "red-white" well played but fail to reach the goal.

- This is a bitter defeat. We`ve wanted strongly to win, we`ve done more than our opponent but they take advantage of our mistakes. Both goals were scored by our mistakes. - said the Bayern Munich player.

Dynamo Kiev defender Aleksandar Dragovic believes that they can take something from this defeat. The goal of the Calhanoglu was the turning point. 

- These are goals that you have nothing much to do. We knew that Hakan has a great kick, just against us he managed to show it. We can be satisfied with the efforts, certainly not with the result. Mistakes happen in football, and this defeat was come as a result of our mistakes. Until EC we have plenty of time, what is important to learn a lesson and not to donate bowing to our opponents. - Dragovic said.

Austria before the EC will play two friendly matches. First against Malta, and the on June 4 against the Netherlands in Vienna.

Koller extended his contract till WC 2018

Swiss Marcel Koller will lead the football selection of Austria in the next two seasons through qualifiers for 2018 World Cup in Russia. Koller whose contract expires at the end of the European Championship in France in Julu has committed to an additional two years allegiance.

- Unlike the last time, now the pressure was lower. We wanted to take off the pressure, before our upcoming preperations for European Championship in France. So instead of my contract we can talk about football topics. - said Koller after announcing the collaboration.

Under the regime of Koller, Austria supremely qualified to EC in France, series of good results placed the "ski" nation among the top 10 in the world. Before “the Koller Era”, "red-white" were placed at 77 positiion of the FIFA rankings.

- Our goal is to present us in good light in France and to maintain our present in major competitions,  like next World Cup in Russia. - emphasized Kohler.

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For him, despite good financial offer, it is important that the Co-team that he worked with in the last four years also remained. Austria first test games before meeting in France will be later this month also against teams who will travel to Paris. Against Albania will play against 26, and against Turkey on 29 March. In Koller`s squad for these meetings returns injured goalkeeper Robert Almer, who is the only player to play in the Austrian Bundesliga. New name is Schalke`s midfielder Alessandro Shop.

- If there are no surprises or injuries this will be 23-man squad that will travel to France. The door is not closed to anybody, not somebody have guaranteed place, but as things stand at present it is a selection that will us represent in Paris - underlined Koller.

Austria EC in France is in Group F along with the national teams of Portugal, Hungary and Iceland.

Nevile : I don`t get carried away in victories, but neither depressed after defeats

It was a cold December night when Manchester United with a young Gary Neville in the squad win over Rapid Vienna 2-0.The Legendary captain of the "Red Devils", the current coach of Valencia brings fond memories of the tour in Vienna.

- Yes I do remember the game against Rapid. It was a cold, rainy, we won 2-0 and such away wins always remain in good memories – said Neville for the match that Manchester in 1996 won against Rapid with goals from Giggs and Cantona.

Although currently seems very distant, Neville still has not ruled out that one day come again in Vienna with "Red Devils" expedition of course in another role.

- Ha ha, maybe. But now I dont think about it, I'm focused on Valencia and the upcoming matches in the Europa League and the Spanish Championship - replied Neville who has a contract with Valencia until the end of the current season.

Valencia coach stands in front of new challenges with "bats" the tie with Rapid in UEFA Europa League which they won it 10-0 on aggregate, restore peace in the dressing room of "El Che." The pressure on the back of Neville is reduced and he can calmly continue his work.

- I do not want to use phrases like a turning point, but the fact is that the tie with Rapid showed that we can play good, nice and efficient football. Rapid is not at all weak team, but we played two perfect games. I think that whoever our opponent was, with what we showed in these matches it won`t be easy for them - considered Neville.

Control of the game by adding breadth and rapid penetration towards the goal is the football philosophy of the Englishman, slightly sporty from tradiotional type of football that we are accustomed to see on the island.

- Im seeking for calm game, technical football without hasty pass, penetration and quick transformation in the space. We work hard on it, the begining wasn`t easy, but after a few months working, things came into place. Victories came and we are enjoying football game again- pointed Neville.

Despite expensive team that Valencia has (in summer invested over 100 million euros), Neville turns attention to young players of "bats" who through matches in the Europa League showed their potential.

- Since my arrival I told my aim will be to promote young players. Academy of Valencia has a huge potential, some young players got a chance, it is important to show that we believe in them and through these matches can build their character. I remember as a young player when i debuted in Europe against Gothenburg and Fenerbahce, those matches were a huge boost for me to continue to train hard - noted Neville.

After a series of four wins in a row in Spain and Europe, the team of Neville returned tranquility, but start on the bench of Valencia was not so pinky for the Englishman. Valencia have suffered defeat in the first eight games as a cup came heavy defeat from Barcelona 7-0 in the Spanish Cup.

- I felt bad, indescribably bad. Catastrophic. But i didn`t let the moment to pull me down. I was always a man who was standing on the ground. I do not get carried away in victories, but neither depressed after defeats. I said then, the team has the potential to go over from this crisis and I believe in them. The same can repeat now that this team has the capacity for great achievements. - Neville pointed out.

Spanish journalist followed game in Vienna with big interest. Series of victories have restore faith in Neville's capacity to lead the team that won the 2004 UEFA Cup.

- It was impossible, eight matches without a win, so it happened never to Valencia. All thought then, what the Englishmanis doing here. Especially after that defeat by Barcelona. But he came up, we are now on the other side, these victories returned smiles in the club and according to the latest information we expect the owner of the club to extend his contract -said Spanish journalists.

Barisic for Valencia

After a successful performance in the group stage 5 wins in 6 games, Rapid Vienna had suffered two heavy and with 10-0 they have to farewell from League Europe. Coach Zoran Barisic sees Valencia as one of the possible winners in this Cup edition.

- We had a successful European campaign. We must admitted that Valencia has a better class than us. It is a team with a championship pedigree and expect them to go far in this tournament -pointed Barisic after the match with Valencia.