Styrian Madl expects a "really awesome match" in Graz

After about five weeks of preparation, Austria Wien is prepared for the start of the spring season 2019. Michael Madl looks forward to the quarter-finals of the UNIQA ÖFB Cup against GAK on Friday (7pm, Merkur Arena / live ORF Sport +) and to the big chance to reach the final at home in the Generali-Arena.

61 days after the 6-1 triumph in the home derby the ‘Violets’ want to build on the successful track they left off in 2018: "Physically we are on a good level. We go confidently to Graz, we are ready and all of us look forward to the game," says Michael Madl representative for the whole team.

The defence boss, who is expecting a "really awesome match" says that for the current leader of the third tier ‘Regionalliga Mitte’ it will be a very special match in front of many spectators. "But it will not be easy," he adds. He does not think that Austria Wien has an advantage just because GAK is missing a star player with Didi Elsneg (cruciate ligament rupture).

"GAK also has other players who have played higher up and have quality, the opponent will be highly motivated," believes Madl. As a Styrian, he knows the "Rotjacken" well, he has seen them in derbies several times.

Ten years later, the defence boss wants to use the chance

The experienced player is as focused as he is motivated, keen to get the ÖFB Cup for the first time in his career on May 1^st in Generali-Arena. In 2009, when Austria Wien conquered their 27^th trophy (3-1 a.e.t. in Mattersburg against FC Admira), Madl had to pause in the final because of a knee injury. Ten years later, the dream comes alive again.

While Madl was spared during the last two test games last weekend because of slight adductor problems but only as a precaution, he now trained again with the team. Thomas Ebner will certainly have to pause because of an inflammation in the adductor approach.

Ebner, who had a secure place in the team during the fall (20 out of 21 competitive games played / a yellow card suspension), calls for concentration. "We should not underestimate the only remaining third league quarter finalist. We want to reach the final and therefore we have to beat GAK," emphasizes Ebner.

Great scenery in Graz

GAK expects over 11,000 visitors. The traditional club, which had to start over in the lowest Styrian League after a bankruptcy in the summer of 2013 and marched through to the Regionalliga, is well on the way to the sixth championship in a row and is about to return to the Second League.

For the time being, of course, their focus is completely on the cup match. "Technically, we have no chance, but of course we want to at least try to use the chance we do have," says coach David Preiss. After a five-week preparation the 40-year-old says that if you have a really lucky day you could certainly create a sensation.

Ausgabe KW 07/2018

Erstellt am 15.02.2018

Lieber Austria-Fan,
der Inhalt des heutigen Austria Wien-Newsletters

» Die Austria will im Cup-Duell ihre Stärken ausspielen
» Die Statistik zum Traditions-Duell um das Cup-Halbfinale
» Fan-Infos vor dem Cup-Viertelfinale in Graz
» Die nächsten Spiele & Termine der Veilchen

Bundesliga:
19. Runde, 22.02.2019, 19:30 Uhr, LASK - FK Austria Wien (Alle Infos >>)
20. Runde, 03.03.2019, 14:30 Uhr, FK Austria Wien - TSV Hartberg (Alle Infos >>)
21. Runde, 10.03.2019, 17:00 Uhr, FK Austria Wien - Altach (Alle Infos >>)

ÖFB Cup:
Viertelfinale, 15.02.2019, 19:00 Uhr, GAK - FK Austria Wien

2. Liga
16. Runde, 22.02.2019, 19:10 Uhr, Young Violets Austria Wien - KSV 1919
17. Runde, 01.03.2019, 19:10 Uhr, SV Horn - Young Violets Austria Wien
18. Runde, 08.03.2019, 19:10 Uhr, Young Violets Austria Wien - FC Liefering