View from the Opposition: Austria ready to enjoy 'bonus game'

Roma begin the second half of the Europa League group stage with an away trip to face Austria Wien, after the two sides drew 3-3 at the Stadio Olimpico.

On that occasion the Giallorossi held a dominant 3-1 lead with not too long remaining, only to concede two late goals to Thorsten Fink’s side.

At the halfway stage of the competition the two sides remain in the qualification spots from Group E – we spoke to Oliver Grimm from Die Presse once again about the meeting at the Ernst Happel Stadion…

Last time out Roma and Austria Wien drew 3-3, what did you think of the game?

“I tuned out at 3-1, thinking: well, that's not such a bad whipping as it might have been possible. What happened afterwards was quite astonishing.”

Will the team be hoping to qualify after the first three games? Are they reaching expectation?

“I don't think so. They call it the ‘bonus game’. Don't forget: Austrian clubs don't get to compete with world-class teams that often, so it is going to be a treat for them. I suspect they rather hope to seal the deal with the home game against Giurgiu on November 24th.”

How have Austria Wien been doing since the last clash with Roma?

“Pretty well. They beat their arch-rivals Rapid Vienna in their new stadium 2-0, and they did the same against Sturm Graz, the current leaders. There was a wee bit too much excitement in the national cup against a third league team, which they beat 5-4 only in stoppage time after leading 3-0. But overall, the team seems to be much smoother, there is better spacing and more defensive discipline.”

What was the reaction of the Austrian media after the result?

“Fairly gobsmacked. I guess half of my colleagues at the sports desks of newspapers had their stories already half-finished at 3-1.”

If this game is lost, will Austria Wien have to manage their Europa League expectations?

“I am quite confident they will. Nobody expects them to win. A draw would already be pretty good.”

Who should we look out for in this game?

“Again, Kayode. Grünwald is on a scoring run, too. And Holzhauser, whom you got to know in Rome, is slowly coming into his own.”

What sort of tactical set-up could we see from Austria Wien in this match?

“I would be surprised it Thorsten Fink, the manager, would change too much. I expect Lukas Rotpuller to return as central defender, replacing Patrizio Stronati. Rotpuller is tough guy, very physical, sometimes a bit too eager and wooden, and not too strong in opening the game. A fairly old-school, fighting centre-back. Would have fit lovely in 1992 Nottingham Forest, methinks.”

What is your score prediction for the game?

“1-1.”

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