Kainz on Sturm draw: "I wouldn't celebrate it"

"I wouldn't celebrate it," says Florian Kainz after Sturm's 0-0 draw in their Europa League opener against Stade Rennes.

Against the favored French top team, the Graz side showed fighting spirit and determination over 90 minutes. It was indeed "a good start to the league phase," according to Kainz in his match analysis on CANAL+.

Considering the Ingolitsch-Elf's late offensive push, he adds: "Looking back, you could almost say: it's a shame that we didn't capitalize on one or two set pieces or transition situations to score the winning goal. But to get a point against such a great team is already a good start."

"Then suddenly you saw this Sturm spirit"

Especially in the first half, the Austrian club's focus was on defense, which allowed them to keep a clean sheet for 90 minutes.

Towards the end of the second half, however, the Graz side also created scoring opportunities. "But then suddenly you saw this Sturm spirit. The substitutions brought a real momentum. In the end, it was truly fantastic. You could feel that something might be possible," says expert Johannes Ertl.

One of the most noticeable players in Sturm's defense: Jakob Hödl. The youngster not only made an appearance with his disallowed goal in the first half, but the 19-year-old repeatedly tried to create danger in the French penalty area.

"He also offers a lot..."

Ertl praises: "JP is playing in a position today that suits him well. He often had to work defensively recently. You notice it when you pass to him, he does something with the ball. And he also offers a lot due to his personality: how he moves, how cheeky he is. Today he got two good chances."

He also mentions another young talent in the ranks of the Styrians: Luca Weinhandl. The only 17-year-old midfielder played the full distance and was certainly able to impress.

"He is currently in a phase where he is establishing himself and gaining experience. And then comes the point where he might be a regular midfielder, without question. Then he can take this next step. He is in the perfect environment here to grow as a personality. You mustn't burn out such young players. There is a lot of pressure from outside," says Ertl.

For Weinhandl, Hödl, and co., the next top clash in the Europa League awaits with AFC Bournemouth (away, October 15, 9 PM in the LIVE-Ticker >>>).