FM20 Team Guide: Rapid Vienna

CPlatts85 continues with his team guides looking at a team that were once the dominant force in Austrian football. Rapid Vienna are still the all time leaders when it comes to titles. However, since the arrival of Red Bull Salzburg, and the riches that come with the sponsors, Rapid Vienna have fallen away from the limelight. Can you be the one who brings them back to the forefront of Austrian and European football…

Background

Rapid Vienna are one of the grand old teams of Austrian football. With 32 league titles in there history, and even securing a Bundesliga title in 1941, they have been at the pinnacle of Austrian football throughout their entire history. But with the rise of RB Salzburg to the top, Rapid Vienna have been pushed down to scrap with LASK, Austria Vienna and Sturm Graz respectively, for the battle of who finishes 2nd. Die Grün-Weißen were most successful during the 80/90’s, which included 5 league titles, 5 Austrian FA Cups and 2 Cup Winners Cup final appearances.  With decent facilities to use, and build upon, Rapid could once become the team to beat in Austrian football once again.

Club Vision

The club have lofty ambitions to become the top side in Austria again. Qualifying for the Champions League (top 2) is a must in the first season. In your second season you will need to be in a position to wither win the league or push rivals all the way. Falling away from the front runners is not an option.

The Cup is also a big priority for the board. Failure to reach the Semi-Finals will also get the board looking elsewhere for a coach that can provide the goods.

As with most clubs these days the fans like to see attacking possession based football. Gone are the days of booting it up front to a big target man. Playing with the ball on the floor will put you in good stead, but it’s not a priority.

Squad

Key Player

Filip Stojkovic is seen as one of the stars of the team. The Montenegrin full back will be key to keeping clean sheets at the back, but also could be of use as an attacking full back/wing back. Being 26 he is coming into the prime of career and will be the solid player you can rely on year after year.

Fringe Player

Dejan Ljubicic has been a breakthrough prospect for the last couple of seasons and will be looking to become a first team regular. He’s been touted as a star of the future so nurturing his talent will be key. As the deep lying playmaker he could become the lynchpin in the middle of the park from which all attacking moves go through.

Potential Star

Nicholas Wunsch could become the creative force that the team is built around. With a potential of 4 stars, possibly 5 stars with the right mentoring, he could become the best player in your squad. The right footed inverted winger could become deadly cutting in from the left, potentially topping both the goal and assist tables for many years to come.

Conclusion

Rapid Vienna are currently running the risk of becoming the forgotten team in Austrian Football, despite being the most successful. With a few tweaks and signing a couple of key players they could once again be at the top of the table. Beating moneybags RB Salzburg is not only a good achievement for your club, but also a win for teams everywhere who are trying to beat the big budget clubs.