NEWS
Payer on Rapid's Exit: "You can't sugarcoat that"
The former Rapid player criticizes the Green-Whites for their performance against the Hearts.
SK Rapid's European dream has been shattered.
The Hütteldorf side only lost to Heart of Midlothian FC in a penalty shootout, resulting in their elimination from the Conference League playoff.
In his initial explanation to the "ORF" microphone, head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup speaks of "key moments that we don't take care of." The coach found little to fault in the first half. After the red card shortly before the equalizer, Rapid "found their rhythm" again. Overall, however, the second half was not good enough.
Payer with Clear Criticism
"I understand the coach trying to protect his team," says former Rapid player and ORF expert Helge Payer after the conversation with Hoff Thorup.
However, the ex-goalkeeper is harsher on the Hütteldorf side: "In truth, it's like this: You were a man up and couldn't manage to assert dominance. You can't sugarcoat that; maybe he has to do that now. But if he analyzes the game, he might see it a little differently."
Payer, however, offers praise for the opponents from Scotland: "Nomen est omen. Today, that was truly the heart of Hearts."
Roman Mählich also agrees with his ORF colleague: "It wasn't that positive. The first 40 minutes were good, they took the lead and then gave the game away shortly before halftime."
