The winter break proved to be an eventful couple of months for the club: during the 10 day training camp in Portugal, Rapid worked hard to reach peak condition before the restart. The lads were put through their paces and worked on coordination, strength and stamina during their stay in the western tip of Europe. The team also competed in the extremely well organized Atlantic Cup 2013, which took place the resort town of Faro. A draw against local side Farense was followed up with victories against Albanian Champions KF Skenderbeu and Danish top flight outfit Silkeborg IF. The results saw us win the tournament and provide Coach Peter Schöttel with another reason to celebrate following news that his contract had earlier been extended until summer 2015. There were also new additions to the first team squad: some familiar faces and some new. Branko Boskovic returned to Vienna from D.C. United in what was a real coup for the club. All Green & White fans are looking forward to seeing the Montenegrin midfield maestro back on the Hütteldorf pitch in Rapid colours! Equally as pleasing is the signing of 18 year old Austrian international squad member Marcel Sabitzer, who made the short move north from Admira. Two further additions to the first team squad have made their way up through the Rapid ranks: 19 year old striker Dominik Starkl has earned himself a place having already made two first team appearances, whilst promising young keeper Marko Maric also has made the step from reserves to first team at the tender age of 17. Further good news followed as it was announced that the club has extended defender Mario Sonnleitner's contract until the end of the 2016 season.The winter break also saw a number of players heading for the exit: Christopher Drazan and Muhammed Ildiz have both left for Germany to play for 1. FC Kaiserslautern and 1. FC Nürnberg respectively. Boris Prokopic has headed west to join second tier Vorarlberg side Altach, while goalkeeper Thomas Dau joined SV Mattersburg. Brian Behrendt (Horn) and Kristijan Dobras (Grödig) have all gone out on loan looking to secure time on the pitch and valuable playing experience. The past months have been a real statement of intent from the club and the new look squad will be put to the test immediately: following the crunch derby against Austria, clashes with heavyweights Salzburg and Graz loom large. It's certainly going to be an exciting second half to the 2012/2013 season! (gw)
19.02.2013