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Last weekend saw a hard-fought 1:1 in Graz against GAK. This result feels like a defeat for all those who support Rapid. But that is exactly what sets the tone.
Green and white hearts are beating faster again: SK Rapid Vienna has experienced an impressive upswing in recent years. Under head coach Robert Klauß and a well-thought-out strategic direction, the traditional club is setting new standards in the Austrian Bundesliga. The club is currently in 2nd place in the table, three points behind Sturm Graz. They have won both games in the Conference League and the football they play is also becoming increasingly attractive. Their success is based on several pillars: ambitious work with young talent, modern investments in infrastructure and a well thought-out transfer concept. The combination of established players such as Guido Burgstaller and captain Matthias Seidl (only 23 years old), complemented by talented newcomers such as Sangare, Beljo, Yaux-Rao and Bolla, has strengthened the team decisively. However, none of this was a coincidence, but the result of a cleverly revamped overall concept.
Rapid Vienna has always focused on promoting young talent, but in recent years the club has become increasingly professionalised in this area. The Rapid academy's intensive development of young talent continues to produce players who are invaluable to the first team. Leopold Querfeld and Nikolas Sattlberger are two of several players to graduate from the club's own youth academy who have established themselves and not only represent the club, but also epitomise Rapid's modern, fast football. Querfeld moved to the German Bundesliga to Union Berlin, Sattlberger moved to Belgium to KRC Genk.
The academy has not only established itself as a talent factory, but also as the basis for the DNA of the club, which is proud of its green and white roots. We at zone14 also play a role in this. As an official partner of SK Rapid, the club and its youth academy use our video systems. The cooperation gives the coaching and analysis team faster access to important match data and, thanks to artificial intelligence, they can organise their work much more time-efficiently.
Since Robert Klauß took over as head coach, he has shaped SK Rapid Wien's game with a clear tactical vision. The German coach brought with him experience from RB Leipzig and 1. FC Nürnberg and at Rapid he favours an intensive, ball-oriented style of play that relies on quick switching and variable ball possession. This concept brings out the best in the individual strengths of the players and seamlessly integrates both experienced players and young talents into a strong collective.
Klauß' favoured basic formation has changed this year from a 4-2-3-1, as Rapid played for a long time, to a 4-2-2-2, to which the new additions have also been adapted. However, the line-ups can be flexibly varied depending on the match situation. In defense, the midfield often moves close together to narrow the spaces and strengthen the centre. In attack, wingers such as Isak Jansson and other wingers can move far forward and utilise the width of the pitch, giving the team more space to attack down the flanks.
Klauß' management style is characterised by clear communication and a high level of trust. He gives the players responsibility and creates an atmosphere in which they can continuously develop. The tactical flexibility he has established at Rapid is reflected in his ability to adapt the team to different opponents and match situations - a quality that is particularly advantageous in the Austrian Bundesliga and in international competition.
In order to realise his vision, Robert Klauß and the club management around sports director Markus Katzer have pursued a clever transfer policy. In the current season, the team has been strengthened with players who fit the new philosophy both technically and mentally and enrich the squad in important positions.
However, last season's transfers, which have already had a positive impact in some areas, are also showing their full effect this season.
Above all, one of the key players. Matthias Seidl has been an integral part of the starting line-up since joining Rapid from Blau Weiß Linz in the summer of 2023. Seidl is now captain, an international, a crowd favourite and a testament to Rapid's transfer strategy.
With Isak Jansson , a skilled winger has played his way into the limelight this season. Technically extremely accomplished and also improved in finishing, the Swede has made enormous progress.
With Nenad Cvetkovic , the added value he brings to Rapid was quickly recognised last season. Had it not been for a cruciate ligament rupture that put the Serbian out of action for almost the entire season. But despite the serious injury, Cvetkovic continues where he left off. Thanks in part to him, Rapid's central defence is more secure than it has been for a long time.
After narrowly missing out on participation in the Europa League (4:3 defeat against Braga), qualification for the Europa Conference League is a visible sign of Rapid Vienna's development. These international matches are not only financially lucrative, but also offer valuable learning experiences that strengthen Rapid Vienna in the long term. After two matches against Istanbul Basaksehir and FC Noah, Rapid has six points and is one of the nine teams with a perfect points haul. Behind Rapid are teams such as Betis Sevilla and FC Copenhagen. If Rapid manage to maintain or improve on this position, they would qualify directly for the round of 16 and would not have to enter the play-offs. Their next opponents are Petrocub Hincesti from Moldova and Shamrock Rovers from Ireland.
SK Rapid Vienna's fan culture is unique and is considered one of the most passionate and traditional in Europe. The supporters of the ‘Green-Whites’, often affectionately referred to as the ‘Rapid family’, are unconditionally behind their club and create a special atmosphere that transforms the Hütteldorfer Allianz Stadium into a fortress at every home game. The Rapid fans are known for their loyalty and support the team not only in good times, but also when challenges and changes arise.
One of the special features of the Rapid fan culture is the impressive choreography that is regularly performed in the legendary West Stand - known as ‘Block West’. It is the centrepiece of the fan culture and plays a decisive role at every home game: with chants, banners and choreographies, the fans create a spine-tingling atmosphere that the players on the pitch immediately feel. The ‘Block West’ is known for its unwavering support, which characterises the background noise in the Allianz Stadium for 90 minutes.
The Rapid fans are also a permanent fixture at away matches. Whether in domestic or at international matches - the fans accompany their team and ensure that Rapid Vienna experiences a lifting atmosphere on every pitch. This loyalty and devotion of the fans not only creates identification, but also makes SK Rapid Wien one of the most emotional and energetic clubs in Austria.
The Rapid fans are more than just spectators - they are the ‘twelfth man’ and carry the club through every season with pride and passion. This intense fan culture makes Rapid Vienna a special club that combines tradition, passion and solidarity and where the fans are an indispensable part of success.
Today, SK Rapid Wien is not only stronger in sporting terms, but also embodies a successful combination of tradition and modernity. Under the leadership of Robert Klauß, the club has found a clear strategic direction that is bringing Rapid back to its former glory days. The team currently occupies second place in the Austrian Bundesliga and its performances in the Europa Conference League prove that it is also internationally competitive.
Under Klauß, SK Rapid Wien shows that a clear philosophy, ambitious youth development, smart transfers and the unconditional support of the fans can bring a traditional club back to the top. A strong fan base, coupled with sporting success and a clear vision for the future, make Rapid Vienna one of the most exciting clubs in Austrian football once again - with the potential to return to the glamour and glory of days gone by.
