About an old friendship that is put to the test by the football business. And another old acquaintance who is traded as Peschek’s successor.
It’s not the first duel. Between 2013 and 2015, Zoran Barisic and Didi Kühbauer faced each other eleven times as coaches. But Sunday will be different. At Rapid’s last home game in the fall, Kühbauer returns to the Allianz Stadium with LASK as an opponent (5 p.m.).
His greatest successes – two second places and two Europa Leagues – took place almost behind closed doors because of Corona. Perhaps that’s why Kühbauer’s work was often underestimated. At least the Burgenlander is guaranteed a friendly welcome. Block West announced this with a banner after the separation.
In addition to the return, there is another emotional challenge for the two once close friends: Kühbauer is the direct opponent of interim coach Barisic for the first time since he announced his departure from the heart club as head of sport on November 10, 2021.
Barisic revealed in the KURIER that the friendship that began 30 years ago has been “burdened” since then. Kühbauer prefers not to say anything about it and “just talk about the game”.
Barisic, once Kühbauer’s congenial abusive brother under coach Dokupil, emphasizes: “Didi is a good coach and a great person. The results of the LASK speak for him. I appreciate him very much, and that will always be the case.” Addendum: “But it’s not about Didi versus Zoki, it’s about the Rapid – LASK game.” Kühbauer agrees with that.
historical comparison
If Kühbauer scores again after the 2-1 in round 4, he would be statistically the most successful ex-coach against Rapid. Schöttel and Canadi each hold 1.5 points per duel after their rapid time. Baric, who coached 24 times against the Greens, averaged 1.17 points. Despite the 1-0 draw in October, Pacult only has 0.83 points in six attempts with Klagenfurt.
“Both teams will go for the win,” announced Kühbauer. The 2:1 was clear. Ex-coach Feldhofer had opted for a total rotation that not only made Barisic doubt. Under the interim coach, who is keen on a longer term, the Greens are more courageous, attacking and focused on possession: “We want to control the opponent. But in addition to clear patterns on the offensive, LASK also has a lot of individual quality to offer.”
Before his 100th mission
Guido Burgstaller has rediscovered his goalscoring qualities under the Viennese and, after five goals in two games, has nine league goals before his 100th appearance for Rapid – like Marin Ljubicic at LASK. By the way, the goalgetter loaned from Split was also an issue for Rapid. Feldhofer opted for Druijf and Burgstaller: “With the signing of Burgi, the Ljubicic issue was settled.”
In the Kühbauer era, LASK was a welcome guest: Four home wins show how perfectly the 3-4-3 of the pressing Linzers was mirrored and countered. Will there be something to decipher this time?
Two men face each other who know everything about each other.
Candidate Newald
Another old acquaintance could succeed Peschek. According to KURIER information, tipp3 boss Philip Newald is one of the top candidates for managing director. When Michael Tojner considered running for president in 2019, Steffen Hofmann’s close friend was his dream CEO. Until July 2021, Newald was finance officer for one and a half years in the now resigning executive committee.