The first half of the season may not have been perfect, but it was still a time of growth for coach Christian Ratschka and his team at SC Hof. “It’s a young team that has taken a step or two forward,” emphasizes Ratschka. With gratitude to the board and recognition for their support, he is optimistic about the upcoming second half of the season. The changes over the winter break are noticeable. The team continues to strive for development but remains realistic about its goals. A single-digit place in the table is the clear goal, but Ratschka is aware that the competition is strong. Still, there is reason to believe, especially given a promising preparation and the impressive commitment of the players.
In addition to football training, the players were given the opportunity to train five times in the Garage Combat Club with one of the most successful Austrian boxers, Ahmet Simsek. This somewhat unusual training came about because Simsek has been working with Ratschka for a long time. Ratschka would like to thank you very much for the opportunity and the units.
The transfer period was very quiet due to the great work of the board. “Being second to last in the 2nd class, you don’t have the best starting position, but those responsible have done a great job,” emphasized Ratschka. The new additions include two players who have a special bond with coach Christian Ratschka. His sons Christian Ratschka and Benjamin Schmidt moved to SC Hof during the winter transfer period. “The family is united,” says the father and coach of the two new players. The decision to sign her came from him personally. Expectations are high for the older son, Christian, who plays in attack. Based on his previous observations of the team, there was hardly any adjustment period for him. Benjamin, his younger brother, also wanted to move to Hof to play with his brother. Although both come from Petronell, Benjamin, a goalkeeper, never had the chance to prove himself, even though it was promised to him. However, in his preparation so far he has shown that he has a lot of potential. “He will learn a lot in the goalie team with newcomer Franz Kainz and the goalie coach,” says Christian Ratschka confidently about Benjamin’s future, “and he will come into his games with ambition and will.”
Coach Ratscka is aware of the qualities his sons bring, but he also makes it a point to emphasize that all players on the team are important. This also includes the other newcomers, from whom he expects a lot. “All in all, great guys came,” explains the coach, “now the challenge is to form the team.”
