Why Stefan Schwab's Two Rapid Comebacks Failed

Stefan Schwab is back in the ADMIRAL Bundesliga.

After six years abroad, he moved from Holstein Kiel to SV Ried in the summer. And already on the second matchday, the duel with his ex-club is on the agenda (from 5 PM in the LIVE ticker >>>).

Stöger wanted Schwab

As the 35-year-old explains in the "kicker" interview, there were several talks with Rapid before that. "Last year there was an offer on the table after Peter Stöger contacted me," says Schwab.

However, it was clear to him that he wanted to stay abroad "as long as possible".

"Every Austrian who has played abroad understands why. For example, football is lived completely differently in Greece. Something like that exists in Austria almost only at Rapid."

Hoff Thorup didn't want him

Schwab also held talks with the Green-Whites this summer. He had often spoken on the phone with Sports Director Markus Katzer.

"There was interest, but at the end of the day, the coach (Johannes Hoff Thorup, note) didn't necessarily want me because he doesn't really know me," explains the former Rapid captain. For this reason, there was no offer from Rapid.

Schwab ultimately decided on Ried for several reasons: the proximity to his main residence in Salzburg, the club's long-standing interest, and the idea of coach Mario Despotovic.

"He clearly told me what kind of football he wants to play, that he wants to play offensively and that he sees me in a good role under him. This is a style of football I've been used to over the last few years, especially at Rapid and PAOK," says Schwab.