Seidl's Pivotal Season: "Naturally Associated with Pressure"

An interesting season begins for Matthias Seidl at SK Rapid.

The captain's contract runs until the end of 2026/27, meaning an extension would be due during the season – or a reorientation.

All of this under difficult circumstances: new flexibility is required from the Salzburg native, as his preferred position as a "number ten" won't always be available in the system.

Furthermore, there's increased competition in a team that has largely stayed together as it currently stands, but has gained another central midfielder in Nicolas Bajlicz.

More often as a number six?

Already in the final stages of last season, Seidl was found in unusual positions: for instance, right-winger in a back five.

In the final friendly match of the summer pre-season against Hamburger SV, the 25-year-old occupied a defensive midfield position.

Adaptation is precisely what's required in the new tactical concept: "In our system, there isn't a clear number ten anymore, which is why I can comfortably play as a number six or eight, and I've played there quite often before."

"Basically, under the new coach, it's always been that I was more at home as a number six in a double pivot, where one player is more offensive, one more defensive, and you rotate a bit. So, in the last one or two years, my role has become more defensive. The system also lends itself better to that right now," says Seidl, who tries to see the positive aspects.

"In the back, you can carry the balls forward into spaces and set up teammates better in attack. But first, you're dependent on getting the ball."

Facing the competition

And precisely in offensive midfield, the squad is crowded, while there's more demand in the more defensive positions – especially if Romeo Amane were still to leave.

In the fight for the few midfield positions, should Rapid genuinely switch to a 4-3-3, the competition will intensify. It's possible there will be more rotation.

"We now have many players with the ambition to play. It's also our luck that many are fit. It can be a push in training and for games – but if someone doesn't perform, they probably won't play."

A lot can happen in a year

Appearances would be important for future prospects – regardless of whether they extend beyond 2027 at Rapid. For now, that thought isn't central.

"For me, it's about being on the pitch and giving my all, no matter how long my contract is. But, of course, the situation is associated with a certain pressure. Theoretically, there are players who then play little or even get injured. Then it can look bad. If you play exceptionally well, it can look good. So, things can change very quickly in both directions, and a lot can change in a year."

Currently, however, Seidl remains "calm about it."