“We have everything for a magical evening”

SK Rapid has the ability to European League Before your eyes.

In the end, Braga fulfilled Hüttedorf’s dream of playing in Europe’s second-biggest club tournament in two minutes. After leading 2-0, the second leg ended 2-2 (Match Report), the total score was 3:4, Rapid lost in ELplay off.

So it took it down a gear. UEFA Conference League. After all: This is the first time the Green and White have participated European Cup Three years.

Pot breakdown for UEFA Conference League draw >>>

“We had it all, a magical night”

However, there was widespread disappointment among Robert Krause’s team. “We are disappointed. We had everything we needed to have a magical night. After 68 minutes we were 2-0 up against Braga and completely gave the game away. It hurts,” said the 39-year-old. Press Conference Capture.

“Rapids gave everything they asked of a top Portuguese club with great enthusiasm. The fact that a penalty and our own individual mistakes ultimately led to the outcome hurts me.”

Especially since Rapid’s third goal was also hanging in the balance. “We could have ended the game before the score became 2-1, but getting the third goal might have been a bit difficult,” said the German.

Don’t blame the team

(Continued below)

Of all the players, Isak Jansson, the scorer who made it 2-0, was fouled in his own penalty area. Sweden Played hard defense, ran deep, and also helped out in the backfield.

“We got ourselves into trouble. Then he had a brief moment where he did not expect the opponent to follow up so strongly. Then he wanted to correct his mistake and committed a foul. It was not intentional, just a clumsy moment”, concluded the 39-year-old.

Overall, Krause doesn’t blame his team too much: “They were probably tired and made the wrong decision.”

This is why Klaus got a red card

After the final whistle, emotions were high. Four minutes of injury time were shown, but then there was another interruption. referee Anthony Taylor blew his whistle on time, which infuriated Krause. He sought dialogue with the Englishman, who was then shown the red card.

All Krause wanted to know from the referee was whether the whistle had to be blown on time for injury time. Taylor answered the question in the affirmative, and the quick coach replied “Congratulations”.

However, he stressed that the choice of words was not the reason for the red. “You are not allowed to discuss things with the referee on the field after the game because they become very strict. It is about appearance. The referees want you to talk to them without the cameras pointing at them,” the statement read.

“It’s hard to find sleep”

Then we went into the hut. The people of Hütteldorf felt empty. “It was very quiet. I had a hard time finding words. We have to pack up and go home now. It was difficult to sleep,” Klaus said, recalling the difficult night.

The day after EL’s tragic elimination, Rapid didn’t have to bow his head. “We’ll talk about it and move on. Salzburg “More than anything, we wanted to look forward to the divisional league, but now everyone realizes how big our chances are,” said the German.

On Sunday, the Bundesliga will host Red Bull Salzburg (starting at 5:00 p.m.) Real-time Quotes) For Rapid, it is important to “get fresh and handle it all”. The people of Hütteldorf can count on the support of fan To count.

“It helps that we play in a good atmosphere at home. The fans respect us for what we do. That will help us too,” Krause said. They also want to strengthen their home field. The Rapid are currently unbeaten at home this season. Therefore, Krause sees an “exclamation point” opportunity against the Mozarts.

Heading in the “right direction”

Despite the league stage against Braga Europa League Missed, Krause’s troops created a positive atmosphere in the area. “We also need the fans to believe in us and see that the things we solve and communicate to the outside world are also implemented,” said the German.

With the exception of the immediate period after the Braga match, the overall mood was positive and this was not just his only achievement: “When working with the sports administration, the coaching staff and the team, I see myself as a link between all areas.”

Things are “moving in the right direction,” but Rapid still has room for improvement. “We still need to take steps. We are far from where we want to be. Otherwise we would have decided a long time ago.” Europa League promotion,” Krause said.

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