The Viennese native moved to the island from FC Zurich in the summer and is an Austrian pioneer in Liverpool. Two Austrians, the former ex-LASK player Besian Idrizaj, who died young, and goalie Alexander Manninger, were already under contract with the club in northwest England, but so far only Höbinger has worn the red jersey. “It’s the fulfillment of a dream and it’s still too fresh to be normal. We also sing ‘You’ll never walk alone’ (club anthem, note), I think it’s so beautiful every time, I don’t think it’ll stop,” enthused Höbinger.
The women usually play their home games at Tranmere Rovers’ Prenton Park, but special games such as the Merseyside derby against Everton (0-1) also play at Anfield. “The cabins, the wing and the corridor out onto the field are particularly cool, then the stands and there were so many spectators (23,000, note), it was overwhelming. You can tell that there is a lot of history in this stadium,” said the 1.62 meter tall technician, who also touched the well-known sign (“This is Anfield”) on the way to the stadium, which will soon hold over 60,000 people. “It’s just such a big and beautiful stadium.” Around 2,500 LASK fans will soon be able to see this for themselves.
Photo series with 5 pictures
Opened in 1884, the stadium served as Everton’s home ground for its first eight years. Because of disputes, the “Toffees” moved just a 15-minute walk to Goodison Park, and property owner John Houlding, once a leading Everton member himself, founded Liverpool FC in 1892, which initially also played in blue and white jerseys. The stand “The Kop”, where, according to legend, the fan chant was created in the 1960s, is the trademark of the arena, which has been expanded several times in the Anfield district of the same name – including currently – and currently offers space for around 54,000 people.
Höbinger got off to a dream start
ÖFB legionnaire Höbinger got off to a dream start in Liverpool. She has already scored three goals in her first eleven competitive appearances, including a remarkable debut goal into the Kreuzeck. “We had a great start, and the fact that it worked out that way for me makes it all the better, it’s just so much fun,” emphasized the 32-time team player, who has also scored seven goals for the national team.
The lively midfielder moved abroad from FC Stadlau in 2015 and played for many years in various teams for Turbine Potsdam in Germany. After two years in Switzerland, where they won two championships and a cup, Liverpool got in touch. The dice quickly fell on a transfer.
“With the moment of change, a development has already taken place. Just the training, the input, I was able to take so much with me. “I can’t get enough of it and I’m soaking it all up,” emphasized the fifth-placed player, who has caught up with the women’s team over the years. Two years ago they were still in the second division, but they also invested in the surrounding area. The former men’s training center in Melwood was bought back and renovated for the women.
“Come here at the right moment”
“People have already told me that I came here at exactly the right moment,” says Höbinger, who feels at home in the football and music-crazy city. There isn’t much contact with star coach Jürgen Klopp’s men’s team, but their standing in the city has grown. “More than one is always seen, fans watch men’s and women’s games, and we are recognized more and more often in the city,” reported Höbinger.
GEPA/ZUMA Press/Sport Press Photo/Natalie Mincher Höbinger made a name for himself early on in Liverpool
In terms of sport, they want to approach the top cautiously, but teams like Chelsea and Manuela Zinsberger’s Arsenal, who were surprisingly defeated at the start of the season at the Emirates Stadium, still have a lead. “The goal is to get to the top, but this is long-term. Improving every year is a priority. The top four are really strong. We know who we should win against and we want to annoy the big guys, I think that suits us well at the moment.”
Looking for a surprise with Austria
Höbinger cannot attend LASK’s guest appearance in Anfield because on Friday (9.15 p.m., live on ORF TVthek) she will be on duty with the ÖFB team in France. In the UEFA Women’s Nations League, coach Irene Fuhrmann’s team has come two big steps closer to staying in the league with two wins against Portugal. Fuhrmann’s women have nothing to lose against favorites France.
“The mood is very optimistic, we can now go full throttle again in both games,” said Höbinger, looking forward to the duel against Norway (Tuesday, 7:15 p.m., live on ORF Sport +). In Rennes, the Austrians find themselves in the role of outsiders; the first duel against the World Cup quarter-finalists was lost 0-1. “We always want to surprise, and we have already seen that we can keep up. We know that anything is possible in football.”
2023-11-29 08:43:17
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