Andreas Weimann at Rapid: A leader to borrow and lean on

First, when the 34-year-old played against Hartberg (1-1) after just one training session with the team Johannes Hoff Thorup in the Starting XI was promoted. And before the second home game, when the coach asked whether Weimann would be against the WAC (2-0). trust in the captaincy role would because Seidl should start on the substitutes’ bench.

Weimann: “Great honor”

“I did considered a great honor. I grew up as a Rapid fan and now I was allowed to wear the ribbon. However, that doesn’t change my demeanor at all – everyone in the starting lineup should be a leader“, says the Viennese, who also reveals an even bigger surprise: “A month ago I could never have imagined that I would returning to Rapid after 19 years and play here in the spring.”

The main reason of the Loan from Derby County was that of ÖFB team boss Rangnick promised World Cup ticketprovided the squad candidate plays regularly and can impress.

Unburdened return

Due to the Rapid Crisis The striker is even faster than expected given his quality Bearers of hope become.

“Andi didn’t notice the problems, he brings fresh energy,” says Hoff Thorup, emphasizing the mental component of the rapid promotion to one of the important contacts.

Lots of self-confidence

Even if Weimann is still waiting for his debut goal after three appearances, there are no doubts. “I have enough confidence. This would have to take a very long time for me to start pondering. I know that I can score goals,” says Weimann in front of the long bus trip to Altach.

The Sunday duel for a place in the top 6 lmakes the 26-time team player think about his debut in the Rhine Valley: “I played with the U-21 team in Altach 14 years ago and also scored against Scotland.”

At that time the talent was still a Aston Villa’s rising winger.

In 2007 we went to the traditional club in Birmingham via Stadlau and Hütteldorf. After a trial training session in the winter, Aston Villa immediately offered a contract from the summer and one Host family for the boy organized.

Parents as hurdle sprint record holders

The parents – both held as Hurdle sprinter held the Austrian record for many years – were just as happy Andreas Poiger. The former Rapid defender is Weimann’s godfather.

In the Premier League The ÖFB legionnaire made 113 appearances (25 scorer points) and was in the competitive team Championship (“They play harder there”) became a long-running favorite with 393 appearances (and 120 scorer points) in all offensive positions.

With his English wife he has three children (11, 8 and 4 years old) and makes sure that the youngsters don’t just speak German to him: “One or two people come once a week German teacher into the house.”

Legionnaire buddy Nuhiu

Weimann reveals that he now in English dreamsin German he formulates precisely. “My wife says that I don’t talk much at home – except with the children.”

The long-time legionnaire often met up with another ex-Rapidler to chat: Homeland Nuhiuin seven years in Sheffield Legend at Wednesday become. “I’d rather not talk to Atdhe again until after the game.”

Because Nuhiu is now 36 years old Assistant coach – in Altach.