SK Rapid Vienna Parts Ways with Head Coach Peter Stöger After Heavy Defeat

SK Rapid Vienna has announced the immediate departure of head coach Peter Stöger and his assistant Thomas Sageder following a significant loss in the Conference League. The decision was disclosed by the club on Friday, just hours after a 1-4 defeat against Polish side Rakow Czestochowa. This result marked another setback in what has been a challenging period for the team.

In recent performances, Rapid Vienna has struggled to maintain form, suffering three losses and achieving only one draw in their latest four official matches. The most recent defeat in European competition proved decisive in prompting the club to act. Despite the squad currently holding second place in the domestic league standings, their performance in international competition has been notably poor, with the team sitting at the bottom of their Conference League group without a single point.

The club's sporting director, Markus Katzer, addressed the decision, noting that the recent run of poor results and declining performance made the changes necessary. He emphasized that the move was taken after careful consideration and was aimed at reversing the negative trend affecting the team.

Stefan Kulovits has been appointed as interim coach and will lead the team in the upcoming league fixture against LASK. Kulovits, who previously served in a similar capacity earlier in the year, will be supported by Luka Pavlovic as an assistant. The club has made it clear that the immediate focus is on stabilizing results for the remaining matches of the season, while also beginning the process of identifying suitable candidates for the permanent head coach position.

Recent months have seen Rapid Vienna endure a period of inconsistent results, including eight defeats in their last twelve competitive matches. The team's struggles have included both underwhelming performances and an inability to secure vital points, particularly in European competition. Management had hoped for a turnaround following the last international break, but ongoing difficulties led to the decision to change coaching staff.

The club has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the interim coaching team and is determined to achieve a swift improvement in results. Simultaneously, management is actively evaluating potential long-term solutions for the head coach role, emphasizing that any decision will be made after thorough consideration rather than haste.

With the season entering a crucial phase, Rapid Vienna aims to regain momentum domestically while addressing the issues that have led to their elimination from European contention. The next matches are seen as an opportunity for the team to demonstrate resilience and begin rebuilding confidence among players and supporters alike.