After Ivanschitz's departure

Vienna president: “More has to come out of this”

Andi Ivanschitz leaves Vienna after almost three years(Bild: Mario Urbantschitsch)

After the great championship dreams at second division club Vienna gradually gave way to a nightmare first half of the season, the departure of sporting director Andi Ivanschitz was the next personnel consequence. President Kurt Svoboda spoke to the "Krone" about the background and the future.

The food chain in the soccer world is quite simple. If things aren't going well, the coach is the first to go. That's why Hans Kleer has been on the Vienna sidelines in "Liga zwa" since September instead of Mehmet Sütcü. If that doesn't bring the desired turnaround, as has been the case at Hohe Warte, with a disappointing eight "grains" from just as many games since then, then it's the sports director's turn. Andi Ivanschitz also had to pack his bags yesterday after almost three years in Döbling. "A very difficult decision, which we also delayed for a long time. But also simply the necessary reset for the future," sighed President Kurt Svoboda.

President Kurt Svoboda & Co. are already looking ahead to the new season(Bild: Mario Urbantschitsch)

That's probably true. As a reminder: The top league budget of 6.5 million euros was diligently invested in the squad before the season, including the acquisition of Bundesliga players such as Rosenberger (GAK), Okungbowa (WSG Tirol) and Dantas (Chemnitz). Susso (Pisa, Serie A), Djuricin (Stripfing) and Seo (Chemnitz, third German league) are also in the squad. Yes, they were dreaming big at Blau-Gelb, aiming for the championship with media impact. And ended up in a sobering ninth place in the table just a few months later. "The squad may be a good one, but it's not the right one for us. The individual quality is certainly there, but it's simply not the right team," admits Svoboda. "We also have an economic responsibility to the club, with these resources we simply have to achieve more."

The open job offer has already taken shape
While "ex" Andi Ivanschitz did not want to comment on the matter, understandably wanting to let things sink in first, Svoboda & Co. are already finalizing the open job offer. "Until we have found someone who fits, we will solve this internally. But we're looking for someone who knows about sports strategy and squad planning, has leadership qualities and masters communication. The right network and scouting skills anyway, as well as administrative and budget skills."

The "Marchfeld bazaar"
Well, that sounds pretty concrete. Will there be any other personnel changes in the winter, perhaps a move to the "Marchfeld Bazaar" after Stripfing's "demise"? "We absolutely don't rule it out, there are some interesting players there. We will definitely use the break and re-evaluate." But already with a view to next season, for this year the title in blue and yellow remains just a pipe dream ...