Rapids Cvetkovic

“Whistles? We have to soak up this energy”

Cvetkovic is ready for the cauldron.(Bild: GEPA Pictures, APA/Picturedesk)

The Turkish cauldron of Trabzonspor is the ideal "stage" for Rapids' Nenad Cvetkovic in the 3rd qualifying round of the Europa League. Control of the ball and emotions.

"It might not be enough for 90 minutes, three games in one week won't be enough either ..."

But Nenad Cvetkovic is ready for today. Trabzonspor, a fiery atmosphere - the third qualifying round of the Europa League is a duel for the Serbian. "I don't mind the whistles, we have to soak up the energy and use it," he says, looking forward to the Turkish cauldron. At the recent 1:0 win against Sturm, he also encouraged Rapids fans with gestures. Not as a show. "I need that, a tackle has to be celebrated. I have it in me, it has to come out."

Cvetkovic is ready for the cauldron.(Bild: GEPA Pictures, APA/Picturedesk)

Cvetkovic had to wait (too) long anyway. A year ago, the central defender's cruciate ligament blew up in his face, and now muscular problems have slowed him down. But coach Klauß built him up carefully and he was allowed to explode for the first time against Sturm: "We wanted to prove to ourselves that we are better," he said with the 1:0 defeat in the Cup final still on his mind. Now the goal is the European group stage. That was already in the cards for Rapid last season had Cvetkovic not been on the operating table during the duels against Fiorentina

Lucrative treat
The 28-year-old has never experienced a European autumn in his career. "It would be important for the club, and great for our fans," said the 1.95-meter tall player, who has bigger goals. "If I dream of anything, it's winning the championship with Rapid." Europe is just a treat. With an entry fee of over three million euros, at least double that is to be earned.

The foundations are to be laid today in the first leg on the Black Sea. "Never hide! The passion has to come from our defense," says Cvetkovic. "But we must also never lose our heads, we have to be stable. That's always the key. No more easy goals conceded like last season."

His new teammate Serge Philipp Raux-Yao is also required to do this - Cvetkovic raves: "He's a real boost, so calm on the ball, we have more control with him." That is also necessary today. Rapids coach Klauß prepares his players for a concert of whistles and an extremely loud noise level in the stadium (130 decibels have already been measured here): "We have to communicate with body language. Use the breaks in play." His defensive boss also points this out: "Everyone has to know what their job is, even if you can't hear the person next to you."

Raux-Yao ensures calm.(Bild: GEPA)

Especially when Trabzon's top-class wingers Trezeguet/Visca are on the move. "Yes, they have quality," nods Cvetkovic. "But we have that too. We will be ready."