barisic
Rapid got off to a bumpy start to the season – out of the Champions League qualification, only one point in the league. Are reinforcements coming now?
The dream of the Champions League burst against Sparta Prague. As a “consolation” Rapid wants to move into the group stage of the Europa League. Two qualifying rounds have to be survived. On Thursday (at home) and August 12, the opponent is called Famagusta (Zyp). The further timetable has also been fixed since Monday.
If Rapid rises, Zorya Luhansk (Ukr) awaits in the playoff. If the Hütteldorfer fail at Famagusta, they can still hope for the Conference League. Opponents would be Slask Wroclaw (Pol) or Hapoel Beer-Sheva (Isr). “There are no more snacking opponents. We have to work hard for everything,” says Zoran Barisic.
On “Sky” the sports director gave an insight into the squad planning. “If we get into a group stage, we will certainly be active in the transfer market. If a player leaves us, too. But I don't have two or three million available for transfers. And we can't compete with the second German division in terms of salary. It is the art of discovering players that you can still afford. We do not rush into adventures. It is important to operate with a sense of proportion. Because the effects of the pandemic are not over yet. “
Barisic denies that left-back Max Ullmann is already in agreement with Bielefeld. “You are not allowed to negotiate with him without our consent.” Ercan Kara, whose contract also expires in 2022, could leave the club. “We wanted to extend it months ago with him, we are reaching for the ceiling. It's not that easy with him,” says Barisic – who does not only see a possible sale as negative. “That is one of our business fields.”
Barisic emphasizes that the existing squad also has quality, “when everyone is fit. If five players are absent, it is difficult to compensate.”
