Vienna derby to kick off the season

Austria will face First Vienna FC in a derby on Wednesday. The clash between the two clubs marks the start of the 2024/25 Bundesliga season for the Violets, who recently concluded their preparations with a successful final test match against Győr. Coach Stefan Kenesei is full of anticipation.

The ADMIRAL Women's Bundesliga kicks off with a real cracker for the Violets: The Vienna derby will take place on Wednesday (8:30 p.m.) in the Naturarena Hohe Warte. The team has been preparing intensively over the past few weeks. The Violets have played a total of five international test matches, with one win and three draws against strong opponents and just one defeat.

Kenesei in a positive mood

Head coach Stefan Kenesei also thinks it's a good result: "I look back on the preparation time very positively. We worked very, very well and also made a lot of progress in terms of content. We were able to keep the core of the team, strengthen the quality and integrate the new players very well. That makes me very positive for the start of the season."

In addition to the three points, the game against First Vienna is also about prestige. The Violets have lost the last three encounters, although they were always close games. Kenesei knows that the Violets can expect a tough battle this time too. "It will be very difficult on the Hohe Warte. In terms of results, we haven't done so well in the last few games. But there were phases where we actually had the game under control. Of course, we want to pick up points and ideally start the season with a win."

The fact that Vienna lost 0-6 at SKN St. Pölten in the early third round last Saturday is not an issue for the coach: "We won't be blinded by this result. It's a completely new game under completely different conditions and we know that it will be a tough piece of work. But we will be well prepared."

With match plan, idea & will to win

Although runners-up Vienna have strengthened their squad with six new signings over the summer, several players will be missing for Wednesday's match due to injury. Kenesei nevertheless expects a strong team from Döbling again this season. "Vienna has an interesting, young team and I think they've strengthened very well. Even if not all the players are available to play on Wednesday, it will certainly be very difficult again", said the coach, who is well aware of Vienna's strengths.

"But I still believe that we've also developed and strengthened very well. We have to be at 100 percent. We need a clear match plan, a good idea and also the will. We will definitely bring that with us to get three points there. We want to start the season with a win."

The match will take place on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. in the Naturarena Hohe Warte and will be broadcast live on ORF Sport+. Tickets will be available at the box office on match day.