The Virtus President’s frustration: “Something like that makes me angry”

It was the most important duel of the season. In the playoff with Montebelluna, Virtus Bozen was about nothing less than staying in the league. But the match came to a grotesque end: Montebelluna, which had significantly less to offer in terms of play and quality than Virtus, won 2-1 and kept the class , the Talferstädter are heading down to the top league. Two inglorious episodes tipped the scales on Saturday.

A few minutes before half-time, Matteo Timpone, who was something like Bolzano's life insurance with 12 goals this season, was carried away away from the game and in his own penalty area to commit an act of violence - there was a red card and a penalty for the opponent, who made it 1: 1 led. Shortly after the break, the experienced Manuel Rizzon also received a red card after an assault. Virtus played twice outnumbered for a half - and ultimately lost the game 1:2. Oberrauch finds clear words Virtus President Robert Oberrauch was upset after this defeat. “The way the last game went is bitter. You can always lose, but to lose like that against a team that was clearly weaker than us is just stupid. Rizzon and Timpone have shown irresponsible behavior. When you play with nine people for a half, it's pure madness. And that really makes me angry.”

“If someone has a sore toenail and says they won’t play, then that’s the wrong attitude for me.” Virtus President Robert Oberrauch For Virtus Bozen, a turbulent season came to a tragic end. The team had quality, that is undisputed. Captain Hannes Kiem even said a week ago that the team actually has what it takes to be among the top seven or eight teams. So what went wrong? “It’s difficult to say,” says Oberrauch.

Robert Oberrauch has been President of Virtus Bozen for nine years. © Savio Paolo

“There is no misfortune or bad luck. At the end of the season everything always balances out. I think some players' mentality was the wrong one. If someone has a sore toenail and says they don't play, then for me that's the wrong attitude, that can't be accepted. You have to be a bit of a man in certain situations. But I also have to say that not all players were like that. We also have some great athletes and people on our team whose mentality is exemplary.” “Ripescaggio” or a new beginning in the major league? It is not clear exactly what will happen next with Virtus. There is still the possibility of submitting a request for re-promotion to the association. “We will decide in the next few days how to proceed. One possibility would be the 'Ripescaggio', another the upper league, but where we could take a new path and focus more on the youth," explains the former ice hockey professional, who will be entering his 10th year as Virtus President next year becomes. In any case, it cannot be ruled out that there could be a total upheaval.

And what about the personnel? “Some players are not confirmed,” said Oberrauch, who kept quiet about their names. “We look at others. Players like Hannes Kiem, Andy Kicay, Michael Bacher and especially the two Kaptina brothers are outstanding footballers and people who have an excellent mentality. But now we have to lick our wounds first, then we will take care of the squad.” Question mark behind Sebastiani It is also not yet clear whether Virtus Bozen will continue to have Alfredo Sebastiani as coach on the sidelines next season. “I spoke to him for a long time yesterday (Sunday). Alfredo is a great trainer, a good person who has both feet on the ground. “We will decide in the next few weeks what is best for both parties,” Robert Oberrauch concludes. An exciting and trend-setting summer awaits South Tyrol's second best football club.

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1. Chioggia	33	47:17	77
2. Dolomiti Bellunesi	33	55:24	65
3. Treviso 1993	33	51:35	60
4. Bassano	33	35:28	54
5. Campodarsego	33	41:25	50
6. This	33	42:33	48
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The Virtus President’s frustration: “Something like that makes me angry”

The aftermath is still great at Virtus Bozen. On Saturday, the Talferstädters' relegation from Serie D was sealed in a bitter way. After losing the playoff against Montebelluna, club president Robert Oberrauch doesn't mince his words and is harsh on some players.

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