Köllner raves about Ronivaldo: "Sometimes I think he's 18"
The 37-year-old BW Linz player has once again impressed with four goals in pre-season. Coach Köllner is impressed and emphasizes: "I've never experienced anything like this before."
von Hannah Weinhäupl
Four goals in six games!
That's the pre-season record for Blau-Weiß Linz's top scorer from last season, Ronivaldo. It almost seems as if the Brazilian-born player is once again well on his way to picking up where he left off. And at 37 years old.
This year, he is also expected to serve as a role model for new players and help the relegated team secure many points with his goals. Coach Michael Köllner is particularly impressed with his striker.
"I'm full of admiration when I see Ronivaldo at 37 years old. He's there for every training session, pushes through everything, and has a huge fun factor. Sometimes I think to myself: He's 18 years old and experiencing his first professional station," he explained to LAOLA1.
Top Scorer in the Bundesliga
He added that it's important to have such positive personalities who enjoy training and playing so much because they are contagious and needed for success.
Last season, the striker, who has been playing in Linz since 2022, scored nine goals and provided two assists in 30 games. This placed him tied with Shon Weissman for first place at Blau-Weiß.
"I believe this relegation also had an effect on him"
After the Upper Austrians have to rely on 15 new signings following their relegation from the ADMIRAL Bundesliga, the naturalized Austrian must also "have a certain openness towards others. He has to be the connector, and he's really good at that," emphasizes Köllner.
He also explains that there was indeed a change in Ronivaldo's demeanor. "That wasn't as pronounced last year. I believe this relegation also had an effect on him, perhaps because he is now taking on a slightly different role for himself."
Competition from Newcomer Grimbs
Physically, it's incredible to be in such good shape at 37 and be able to train at full throttle every session. The 56-year-old has "never experienced or even expected this level of intensity from older players," said the German.
Only one player, newcomer Nico Grimbs (22), scored more often in the test matches, with five goals. The "smart and very intelligent player" will provide competition for Ronivaldo in the upcoming season, if all goes well.
