In a duel with Sturm

That’s why the Hartbergers are looking black ahead of the derby

Styrian duel Hartberg against Sturm

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Decisive match for the top six, Hartberg hosts Sturm. Not a normal match for some of the East Styrians, as there is a "Sturm sympathizer" in the TSV ranks here and there. This time, however, the team from Graz can send Hartberg to the league basement.

Anyone talking about a normal Styrian duel on Sunday is lying. The top-six constellation alone makes the Styrian duel the hottest in its history to date. What's more, there are several players in the Hartberg ranks with "Sturm connections" - and not just on the pitch. Well, the players Ehmann, Komposch, Kainz, Avdijaj, Frieser or Urdl were in the youth - or even in the Bundesliga - in Graz. So far, so normal.

Black and blue, that fits! Ex-champion goalie Gratzei - now TSV goalkeeping coach - laughs with Sturm's Hierländer.

(Bild: Sepp Pail)

However, Hartberg captain Jürgen Heil was often a fan in the Liebenau stadium several years ago. "Yes, with friends, we rarely missed a game," laughs "Heili". "It's funny when you watch certain people, like Sturm veteran Christian Klem, from the stands - and then later play with him in Hartberg."

"Can go round in circles"
Heil knows what time it is this time. "Of course it's a special game for the club. Always against Sturm, we're the 'little Hartbergers' in comparison. But the surrounding is made bigger than it should be for us on the pitch. We have to concentrate on ourselves, if we score, the others can go round in circles in the top six race."

Are the Hartberg fans celebrating the championship group?

(Bild: Sepp Pail)

The game is also special for the Hartberg coaching team, even if no one openly admits it. Markus Schopp - Sturm legend. Or Christian Gratzei, a master goalkeeper for the Blacks. "But we also have a few Reds on the coaching staff," laughs Gratzei, who "naturally kept his fingers crossed for his former club in the European Cup."

Best season in Hartberg's history
However, Gratzei is quick to put the explosive situation into perspective. "Markus is managing the situation very well internally. For the public, it's all about this game and the top six. However, regardless of the clash against Sturm, we have already delivered the best season in Hartberg's history and many players have increased their market value. It wouldn't be serious to talk about a bitter disappointment if we don't make it into the championship group."

Or are the Sturm players and their fans celebrating the three points in the Styrian summit?

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Some TSV board members are taking a serious approach - even if a dark heart used to beat in their chests. "Before our promotion to the Bundesliga in 2018, I was at the Cup semi-final against Rapid in Liebenau and at the final in Klagenfurt. I was also a fan at the last league title and my first jersey was from Sturm," says CEO Roland Puchas. "But it's different now. We're in the same league - and certainly not without a chance in the duel!"