Becomes a dad for the first time

200th mission! “Piesi” is now also thinking about goal parties

WAC and Simon Piesinger (right) have to face GAK on Saturday.(Bild: GEPA)

200 times Simon Piesinger! The Bundesliga jubilarian has a big goal with WAC, is thinking about scoring from the halfway line - and will soon be in baby luck!

During the old Sturm Graz days, it was often said: "No Piesi, no party!" On Saturday against GAK, WAC defensive midfielder Simon Piesinger has something to celebrate again: his 200th Bundesliga game! "Preferably with a win," grins the 32-year-old ahead of his "home game". Because Simon lives just 15 minutes away from the arena in Graz-Liebenau. Which makes the anniversary even more special.

With 199 first league games in Austria, the 1.96-meter "tower" is in second place on the WAC list. Only Pink (203) has more. Even two cruciate ligament ruptures did not stop Piesinger - in this country he also played for Innsbruck and Altach.

Goal from the halfway line
Simon scored the best of his 19 Bundesliga goals for the WAC: this September in the 5:1 win at LASK with the 1:0 - a long-range shot from 25 meters. "Only my goal for Randers in Denmark in 2020 was better - I overhit the goalkeeper from the halfway line," smiles the Upper Austrian, who now wants to go all out when it comes to scoring goals: he has two to his name - but he's aiming for eight! "That's the ambitious goal I've set myself!"

Contract expires in the summer
Even without goals, "Piesi" has impressed so far: he has become a regular again and has not yet missed a competitive match (like Ballo). "And that's despite the fact that I was planned as a defender - but I'm much better in midfield, where I can get involved offensively!" says Simon, whose WAC contract expires in the summer of 2025.

Defence stabilized
The Linzer also clearly contributes to the current defensive form of the "Wolves": Only three goals conceded (including two penalties) in the past five games is top. "We've stabilized," says the "interceptor" in front of the defence.

"Piesi" is going to be a dad
There is also great happiness waiting in his private life: sweetheart Celine Grebien - former UVC Graz volleyball player - will soon give birth to a boy. The due date is January 16. The next party for "Piesi" will probably start then at the latest.