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Profimannschaft | 08.03.2019

Madl: Hard on the pitch, respectful to others

Michael Madl is very good at assessing the current situation in this crucial phase of the championship. The 30-year-old defender has already experienced a lot in his footballing career and has gained important experience in England, among others, at FC Fulham.

Ten years after Athletic Bilbao, Madl wants to return to the group stage

Madl hope for respectful and memorable performances with Austria Wien on the international stage next fall. The Styrian played qualifying games with Sturm Graz in the seasons 2013/14 and 15/16 for the UEFA Europa League. His last appearance in a UEL group phase lies a while back, on September 17th, 2009, the then 21-year-old played with Austria Wien against Athletic Bilbao.

"International games are very special for every player, employee and fan. It is great experiences when traveling together to other countries, getting to know cultures and playing for Austria Wien. That must be every players goal," explains Michael Madl.

Two laps before the end of the basic round Austria Wien can secure their place in the championship group with a home victory against Altach. After the 22nd round, the away game against Sturm Graz this Sunday (March 17th, 5pm), the points will be halved.

"Many teams will then be very close together, it will certainly restart the championship and it will be very exciting. Each of the ten matches will almost be like a small final," said center-back Michael Madl. Currently, Austria Wien is in third place, which - if the Cup winner comes from the top two - would result in a direct qualification for the UEFA Europa League group stage. "But we do not deal with such constellations, we focus on winning as many games as possible," says the 30-year-old.

Former England legionary as a routine player and defensive chief

Especially in difficult situations, such as after the two defeats at the beginning of spring and after the equalizer against Hartberg, the routine players in the team are required. The leadership role is part of several players at Austria Wien and Madl wants to do his part.

First, however, the sole focus is the home game against Altach and the final securement of participation in the championship group. "Due to the second half against Hartberg, in which we have overcome a difficult situation as a team, we have a very good feeling about the game. That gave us a real boost and we must take the momentum with us now. We will not underestimate Altach and try to make sure the points stay in ‘Favoriten’ again," said the defensive chief.

He also comments positively on the new league mode during this exciting phase, "For the neutral spectator, it is certainly very exciting. Personally, I would prefer to have secured our place in the championship group much earlier, but we are responsible and now we have to face it."

I try to lead by example on and off the field. The requirement is to constantly deliver a good performance," emphasizes the Styrian, who could learn a lot about English football in his one and a half years at FC Fulham. "In England everything is very respectful – especially while interacting with the opponent. On the pitch their game is very hard, sometimes even dirty, but afterwards you shake hands and are very respectful to each other. Personally, I think that's extremely important and it is also of great value for Austria Wien."

Sonderausgabe

Erstellt am 11.03.2019

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