"Violet" Takacs

“Austria simply has a different dimension”

Manuel Takacs coordinates young talent at Wiener Austria.

(Bild: Takacs/Austria)

It's hard to imagine Austria without Manuel Takacs. The Burgenland native coordinates all of the youngsters at the "Veilchen". The 38-year-old is also attracting interest from other clubs. In the "Krone", he explains why he turned down RB Leipzig, what he thinks of Philipp Hosiner and what he thinks of advisors for young players.

He was with AKA Burgenland for years. He then took his first coaching steps in the professional game with OÖ Juniors. However, Austria Vienna quickly became aware of him. Today, Manuel Takacs is an important part of the violet club, coordinating virtually all of the "Veilchen's" youngsters. In the "Krone", the 38-year-old from Schachendorf talks about ...

... his exact job at the club: "It's very wide-ranging. Basically, I have the main responsibility for Austria's soccer academy. I also coordinate the U13s and U14s and liaise with the U12s. Then, of course, there's the day-to-day work with the Young Violets. I simply try to think along with the sport and help out in all possible areas."

"Taki" with detailed work on video analysis.

(Bild: Takacs/Austria)

... the club compared to other clubs: "Austria simply has a different dimension. It's a big club, with a lot of tradition and an outstanding base of young talent. There's also great potential. The Veilchen can't be compared to anything I've been to before."

... Interested parties in his person: "There have been one or two clubs, yes. But it became really concrete with RB Leipzig. It was a great offer, and I was also supposed to take on an important role in youth development there. But then I decided against it."

... Philipp Hosiner and a possible return to the pros: "You have to say, Hosi is an absolute role model, also in terms of personal hygiene. The young lads at the Violets look up to him. He's an absolute golden touch. And would certainly still have what it takes to play in the Bundesliga, is physically top. But I don't think he was ever really an issue for Austria coach Michael Wimmer. But Philipp is a real figure of identification in Favoriten, no matter which league he plays in."

Motivational speeches in the dressing room also characterize the Burgenlander.

(Bild: Takacs/Austria)

... Advisor in the youth sector: "Unfortunately, it's a real disaster. The development is not good when 14-year-olds are approached by player advisors because you simply can't clearly assess the sporting development at this age. Consultants then get the boys' heads spinning. But that's part of the game. A good relationship is still important."

I'm in really good hands at Austria, I feel really comfortable. I don't know what comes next, you can never tell in soccer.

Manuel Takacs über die „Veilchen“

... the red and gold soccer academy: "They want to keep the best young players there, but it's difficult without a sponsoring club. If a player wants to leave but you can't offer him a suitable platform, you can't put any obstacles in his way. But clubs in Burgenland certainly benefit from the AKA training.

... his future career goals: "I'm in really good hands at Austria. I feel right at home here. I don't know what comes next, you can never tell in soccer. But I want to develop a lot here and help shape things. I also want to pave the way for a great soccer career for the lads."