Rapid Vienna's wish-granting machine malfunctions vs Hearts as fallen Conference League foes could cut costs
Rapid Vienna have been left gutted over an exit from the Conference League
Rapid Vienna have been left lamenting the footballing gods leaving their side against Hearts as they feel the financial pain of Conference League elimination.
It was joy at the Allianz Stadion for Wouter Vrancken’s Jambos after their penalty shootout success in the play-offs, following a 4-4 draw over two legs. Rapid came into their home leg as marginal favourites after holding Hearts at Tynecastle but those in maroon rallied to seal a European night for the ages and six extra continental matches before Christmas.
Elimination is likely to prove costly, literally, for the Austrian Bundesliga side who have lost out on a seven-figure cash injection that comes with Conference League progress to the league phase. Captain Matthias Seidl reckons a good start to the season has now been derailed after their wishes for the Hearts clash were not granted.
What have Rapid Vienna said after exit vs Hearts?
Seidl said: "Looking at our last few weeks, it was actually a great start, but this defeat means our qualifying successes so far don't really matter because we haven't achieved our goal. Football isn't a wish-granting machine. Our performance was very good, maybe not our best game, but we played attacking football.
“However, we weren't able to establish a solid defense. That's why we conceded two goals again. The 2-2 draw was ultimately fortunate, and losing like that in a penalty shootout hurts. In a knockout match, only one team can advance. Our opponents weren't that bad, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough for us."
It’s been suggested that Rapid built their squad with a view to European competition until at least the middle of winter. This summer’s transfer window shuts next week and several exits are now rumoured ot be likely with just domestic business on their plate. Sporting director Markus Katzer was cautious on potential exits after the Hearts game but said: "We will look at what options are available and try to take the best possible squad into the season. We don't need any rash actions, but rather we need to analyse the situation first.”
Rapid Vienna boss on Hearts
Head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup added on the bitter disappointment of their European exit: "We started strongly, had the game exactly where we wanted it. At halftime, we talked about the opponent's situations we needed to avoid, and then we conceded a goal just like that. The second half wasn't good from the start. We only started playing again after conceding, and after the red card, we regained a bit of rhythm and composure.
“After 90 minutes, I told the players we had to control the game and push the opponent back into their own half. We then conceded the second goal from one of our own corners. We have to learn from this game and do things better. But we also have to acknowledge that we're good; a 2-2 draw against Hearts doesn't change that. Of course, it's a terrible evening, we're disappointed, and we'll be tomorrow too, but with eight wins and two draws, we have a strong record."