Rapid Vienna hosts Fiorentina in Conference League

Fiorentina has not yet achieved a victory in Serie A, only in the Conference League have they been able to celebrate so far. Is this the right opportunity for Rapid Vienna to initiate a turnaround? "The situation is not easy for any of us," explained Rapid captain Matthias Seidl. "We need to enjoy playing football again. It's a good time for that."
Conference League: Fiorentina still winless before duel with Rapid Vienna
Fiorentina is currently in a historic crisis. Three points after the first seven season matches in Serie A was last seen by Viola in 1977. Dramatic for a team that invested around 90 million euros in transfers over the summer and actually wants to compete for the Champions League spots. A goal that coach Stefano Pioli is holding on to. "We need to improve, but I am still confident," explained the Milan title-maker of 2022 recently.
Compared to the Italians, Rapid Vienna at least had a highly successful start to the season. However, not much of that remains. They have gone five competitive matches without a full success, most recently suffering four consecutive defeats - including the 1:4 thrashing at the CoL opener against Lech Poznań. Rapid coach Peter Stöger now recognized the "opportunity to move a bit in a more positive direction. We are aware of the situation in Florence. But we also know that they have very high quality and an outstanding coach."
Rapid Vienna has addressed shortcomings before Conference League game
That Stöger has to do without top scorer Claudy Mbuyi due to muscular problems "in the next games" does not make things easier. The current losing streak has been addressed with the players in any case. "I think we had good discussions. My task is to give the team security again so that they feel more comfortable. You might be a bit sharper, but it is always factual and sportingly justified."
Rapid coach Stöger identified three shortcomings: "The energy you need to bring to the field," as well as too many ball losses. "It's way too easy when we lose balls, we have a problem with organization, with formation. You won't win against anyone like that." Offensively, there is a lack of threat. "Against LASK (0:2, note) we didn't create a single chance despite 70 percent possession. We need to get into the dangerous area," demanded Stöger.
Such a long time on the ball is not to be expected on Thursday. "We've seen a lot of different things, the system is clear to us. Everything will come at us. However, I assume that we will have less to deal with a deep block," said Stöger. Either way, one thing is a prerequisite: "Without reaching our maximum, it will be a difficult task. If everything works, there could also be a surprise."
Fiorentina "perhaps the most attractive opponent" for Rapid Wien in Conference League
Rapid Wien faces opponents like long-time Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, Bosnia's 39-year-old legend Edin Dzeko, or Italy's national striker Moise Kean. Robin Gosens is out injured. "In terms of name and lineup, Fiorentina is perhaps the most attractive opponent," said Stöger. And it offers the opportunity, in the case of a corresponding performance, "to collect more plus points in public perception."
Two years ago, the Hütteldorfers were eliminated in the CoL qualification against the Florentines, despite a 1:0 home win. One of the few players from back then remaining in the Rapid Wien squad, alongside Niklas Hedl and Jonas Auer, is also Seidl. "That hurt back then, but we are looking forward to it. We definitely have the quality to deliver a great performance. We can go into the match with full conviction."
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.
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