Sturm against GAK

“I’m the older brother – and the stronger one!”

Jürgen Säumel (left) was still a player at the last Bundesliga derby against GAK in 2007.

(Bild: Pail)

Graz derby Sunday morning (10.30) in Wr. Neustadt: An away game for Sturm's colts, who have to cross the border because of the lousy turf in Gleisdorf. The Black Two's support will be limited, but around 1,000 GAK fans will attend the small derby between the arch-rivals. 

Jürgen Säumel has been on the bench at Sturm II since the spring - the derby against GAK is something special for him too. "Of course, I was still there as a player in 2007 for the last Bundesliga clash. We won 1:0, a long time ago," says the 39-year-old, whose record against the rivals is not the yellow of the egg: four wins, two draws, six defeats.

Anything other than a clean sheet for his very young team would be a sensation against the league leaders on Sunday. There are no reinforcements from "above", i.e. the professional squad, in view of the many absentees. "If we want to take something with us, we need a top performance! There will be a lot of spectators, my young team can show that we're heading in the right direction. We've already shown that in phases, now we have to bring it onto the pitch for the whole 90 minutes," explained the Upper Styrian, who has started his coaching era at Sturm with one draw and one defeat.

The last second division derby went to the GAK in August with a 1:0 win.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

The first "home game" in spring against Vienna also took place in Wr. Neustadt. However, the fact that Sturm II do not have a proper home ground is not a problem for the new head coach. "We have to take it as it comes. But that's not an issue within the team. In Wr. Neustadt we have a nice stadium and a good pitch. That's important!" And not to be taken for granted in times like these.

In Wr. Neustadt we have a beautiful stadium and a good pitch. That's important!

Sturm II-Trainer Jürgen Säumel

Like Jürgen Säumel, his brother Gerald also grew up in the Sturm youth ranks. But the breakthrough was denied to the one and a half younger brother. After spells at Gratkorn and DSV Leoben, he ended up at GAK in 2012. "He had a great time there, rose with the club from the 1st division to the regional league, was also captain and very popular," recalls Jürgen. Gerald has now ended his career and works in banking. However, the derby was not an issue in the Säumel household. "When we get together, we don't talk about soccer, we talk about our families." 

Gerald Säumel played 47 times for the GAK.

(Bild: Sepp Pail)

It remains to be seen whether the "red brother", who played 47 games for GAK, will be present at the clash between the rivals. "Even though Gerald still has a close relationship with GAK, I really hope he'll keep his fingers crossed for me," laughs Jürgen and winks: "After all, I'm his older brother and I've always been the stronger one."