And now, Rapid? "It's not a setback"

Seidl: "That's where you see how good we really are"

A brilliant start to the season, abruptly shaken - unfortunately, SK Sturm Graz awaits on Sunday. The league not only doesn't stop, but throws a direct title rival at Green-White just four days later.

Ercan Kara says: "Today we can still be sad, but tomorrow we move on. We have to pick ourselves up, focus on the season, and make the best of it."

The real challenge, however, probably extends beyond this week - and likely across the entire, still so young season. Matthias Seidl: "That's where you see how good we really are. How strong our character is. When things are going well, everyone can play great. When there's a setback, it's up to the team to fight back. Every player is needed, the entire team. We will see that on Sunday and in the coming weeks."

How Hoff Thorup Explains Rapid's European Exit

Football

Hoff Thorup: Why Rapid has not suffered a "setback"

It was not one of those defeats that is put behind you the next day. In the recent past, disappointments of this magnitude have been able to become turning points in Rapid's season.

Head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup wants to hear nothing of such scenarios. "This group of players, as I see it, is at a completely different point."

The 37-year-old Dane does not see a "setback". "It's disappointment because we drew. We have two draws and eight wins. Disappointment, yes, setback, no."

Rapid and the Difficult Look Ahead

Hoff Thorup knows, however, that his team faces a test of character. "Of course, in the coming days and in the next matches, we will see where we stand as a group and as a team. In football, you can always lose, but if you have worked well and hard and built something, then the defeats don't hurt too much."

Pain is normal and appropriate in those difficult hours: "Everyone wanted to qualify. I wanted to qualify. All the players wanted to qualify. And I cannot say that there is anyone who did not give their best to succeed in this regard."

What must now be prevented is a state of shock: "When we start preparing for Sturm, I want to see exactly the same faces from my players again. I want to see exactly the same determination and passion for the game, as well as the same commitment.

"If they manage that on Sunday...."

With what goals can they go into Sunday's home match against SK Sturm Graz?

Hoff Thorup is certain: "We now have to take the good things we have achieved in the season and in pre-season and bring them onto the pitch on Sunday. That doesn't mean we absolutely have to win to be able to say: "Okay, now we're back." Not necessarily. I just want my team to be back on the pitch, perform well, and fight hard for each other."

At the end of the day, the duel with the "Blackies" will probably still be a mental Herculean task - but: "If they manage that on Sunday, then we are back. Then I won't worry at all about the reactions to defeats that will occur during the season."