Comments on the game

Schopp: “We made it on our own”

Hartberg coach Markus Schopp(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Hartberg secured their place in the Champions Group with a draw against Sturm Graz. The Styrians were self-critical after the 1-1 draw in the derby, but also proud. 

Markus Schopp (Hartberg coach): "We really deserve this. We have 22 rounds behind us and 34 points. That's something extraordinary for Hartberg. We've done it under our own steam - in this way, that's great! It's a moment you can and should enjoy. And against a team that has ambitions of becoming Austrian champions. We messed up in Wattens, but we wanted to make amends today. I always felt today that we had it in our own hands. That's what made us strong. We were good over the 90 minutes. We got what felt like an own goal out of nowhere. But my team's reaction after half-time was tremendous."

Donis Avdijaj (Hartberg goalscorer): "Personally, it's a big moment, but it's not about me, it's about the bigger picture. The success is down to the players and the coaching staff. We have worked meticulously to achieve this. After 22 rounds, it's a deserved success, that's not normal for this team with this budget."

Jürgen Heil (Hartberg captain): "I was almost in tears after the final whistle. We've invested so much in all this time, even though we're very far away financially from other clubs. We have a clear idea - and if you sum up, you have to say that we showed a very, very strong character today. Our goal now is to earn an international place. Donis is for special moments, even if it's not always easy with him."

Christian Ilzer(Bild: APA/ERWIN SCHERIAU)

Christian Ilzer (Sturm coach): "After Thursday's game against Lille, today was a big challenge against a team with quality that should no longer play down to the name Hartberg. I think we were the team with more chances overall. We also worked well against the ball. But our possession game wasn't ideal. I'm satisfied with the performance, but not with the result. TSV Hartberg have individual class and a great attitude. I'm looking forward to two more Styrian duels."

David Affengruber (Sturm defender): "We did what we set out to do well. We defended well. We defended well against many set pieces. The fact that he then hits in a free-kick like that is just the way it is. I don't think the foul before that should be given, I can't disappear into thin air. I don't know where to go. We might have missed scoring the second goal a bit. There would have been more in it."