The transfer window is closed until winter. How well has Rapid strengthened? “Today” asked Captain Maximilian Hofmann.
“today“: Mr. Hofmann, Rapid held the top strikers Ercan Kara and Taxi Fountas, two young Austrians joined them. How does the captain rate the transfer phase?
“If you consider the rumors that have been circulating, it is very positive. We have definitely gained quality, are now more broadly positioned. That will benefit us enormously in the many English rounds.”
With Emanuel Aiwu came a defensive talent. What can you say about him?
“So far I only know him from direct duels. But we know that the Admira School is a very good one. He will certainly help us in the future.”
being “Strike” at Admira did not go down well. A topic in the cabin?
“I can’t say much about that because he’s currently on the ÖFB U21 team.”
Thierno Ballo was loaned from Chelsea. A lucky bag – after all, he has never played adult football.
“Maybe that’s not bad at all. Maybe his youthful carelessness is good for us.
Kara and Fountas were popular abroad, but stay on board. A strong signal?
“I’m brutally happy that they both stayed. They scored a lot of goals, so it was clear that there was interest. But they also know what they have in Rapid. In the Europa League they can now put themselves in the limelight even more play. You are free in your head again. “
Were there also interested parties for you? Your contract expires in 2022.
“No, a change was not an issue in the summer. My goal is to stay injury-free. We will see everything else. A lot of contracts are running out. That is of course also due to the pandemic. We will be sure in the next few months put together.”
How do you rate the direct competition’s purchasing program?
“Sturm was able to keep the team completely, they made clever transfers, they improved. It will be exciting to see how the European Cup affects them. LASK had a little upheaval, but will certainly find itself again.”
Rapid is fourth in the table and is already ten points behind Salzburg. Where is the journey going?
“We sure gave up one point or another lightly, it was partly more possible. But you have to accept it that way. Now we have to see that we collect a lot of points in autumn and fix the upper playoff as quickly as possible. Salzburg have Another very good start, ten points behind doesn’t sound nice, of course. It remains to be seen where our journey is headed. The minimum goal is an international starting position. “
Philipp Schobesberger gathers match practice with the second team. How far is he?
“He’s already training with us, he’s on the right track. He’s no longer in pain. I think he’ll be back in the squad in a few weeks. He’s definitely someone who can make the difference.”
Her ex-colleague Yusuf Demir is now playing at FC Barcelona. Did you trust him to do that?
“Yes, absolutely. But it is not everyday for us either that one of us moves to Barcelona. It is a great thing, simply outstanding. Everyone who has played with him knows that he will prevail there. He is an outstanding player. “
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