Helm: ‘We want to maintain our momentum!’

On Saturday afternoon (5 p.m.), SV Ried will be visiting the Generali Arena. After two recent 1-0 victories against Altach and Sturm Graz, the Violets are on the rise. Head coach Stephan Helm is looking forward to the match against the team from Upper Austria, who are close behind them in the table: "We've been able to build momentum recently. We want to prove against Ried that we want to achieve something special this season!"

Head coach Stephan Helm on ...

... recent performances:
"We were able to build momentum in Graz. That's only possible with the support of the fans. We want to carry the energy from the Sturm game forward. I have a team at my disposal that can rightly call itself a “team”. Before the last two games, the results didn't match the performance. However, after the two victories, we are feeling confident going into tomorrow's game."

... tactical flexibility:
"We always want to remain somewhat unpredictable and are willing to change our tactics during games. We will also do this in subtle ways against Ried. We are actually one of the teams that concede very few goals. We have made use of our flexibility in recent games and changed our dynamic. We want to surprise our opponents tomorrow too and use whatever is most effective."

... personnel changes:
"We have interesting personalities in the squad who work very well together. I am more than convinced of the team's potential, and we are trying to bring it out in the best possible way. Of course, we've had to make a few changes since the start of the season to bring stability. But our processes are becoming clearer every week."

... the emotional rollercoaster since the start of the season:
"Difficult phases always offer the chance to learn from them. Not only I, but also the players and the staff have proven this many times. We are in competitive sport, we are always critical. But we have to emphasise what we have in common, that's the most important thing to get out of such phases and get the best out of Austria Vienna."

... Opponents SV Ried:
"I use the phrase: the most important game is always the next one. The derby is not yet in the back of our minds. We are fully focused on the Ried game. They are a strong promoted team that has earned this respect. Ried has a clear style, a very high defensive line.  They are very flexible with the ball, looking for space behind the defence. I know coach Max Senft very well, he has certainly come up with something."

Philipp Wiesinger on ...

... the reasons for the turnaround:
"It will be a very physical game against Ried, but we are well prepared for them. We have managed to turn our results around and we want to build on that tomorrow. Overall, we are not quite as high up the table as we were at the start of the season. We've taken a step back without becoming passive. It was important to regain the confidence we need right now."

... a turbulent last year:
"You learn that nothing in life can be taken for granted. You have to work hard for everything. The last year has flown by. A few weeks ago, we were almost champions, and now, according to some, we're almost relegated. Football is full of ups and downs. I enjoy every training session, every game. I don't let things get to me so much anymore. I've become more objective and structured in my thinking. Of course, I prefer the highs to the lows. You have to stay calm during bad phases, but think critically."

News from the squad

Tin Plavotic and Kang Hee Lee are on their way back, but won't be available against Ried. Johannes Handl will also be out for a while longer. Long-term absentees Florian Wustinger, Romeo Vučić and Ziad El Sheiwi are not yet back in team training, but are back on the pitch for some of the time.