Homecoming at Hohe Warte: Hans Kleer on His New Start with Vienna
On Saturday, a special match awaits First Vienna FC 1894: For the first time since his return, Hans Kleer will once again sit on the bench as head coach of the Döbling side. Ahead of the away match against the Young Violets, the 56-year-old speaks about his comeback at Hohe Warte, his first impressions of the squad and coaching staff, as well as his expectations for the coming weeks.
Hans, how does it feel to be back at Hohe Warte as head coach after seven years?
It feels great. A lot of very positive things have happened here in recent years—in terms of organization, processes, and professionalism. Even in the first days I’ve already had many good conversations and I can see that a very good working environment has developed here.
What role does your emotional connection to Vienna play in your new role?
The emotional connection certainly makes the job especially appealing. At the same time, it’s important as a coach not to let emotions guide your decisions, but to remain objective. But I’m sure the first home match will be a very emotional moment for me. In everyday work, however, it’s about what happens on the pitch and the development of the team.
How did you experience the team in your first training sessions?
At the beginning, there was a certain nervousness, which is normal after a coaching change. But that already faded by the second session. I saw a lot of commitment and willingness, and I was very satisfied with that. Football is a game of details, and now we have to consistently work on them every day.
What was particularly important for you to convey to the team in these early sessions?
It was important for me to make it clear from the start what our goal is and that we can only achieve it together. Every player has a role in this, whether he’s in the starting eleven, on the bench, or not in the squad at all. Everyone is needed, everyone is important for the team’s success. That message was the clear focus of my first talk.
This week you experienced your new coaching staff together for the first time. What’s your first impression?
Very positive. I already knew Patrick Kostner as a player, and I had heard before that he became a very good goalkeeping coach. I’ve found Roman Kienast to be very meticulous and collegial, and I immediately had a good feeling with him. Nikola Zivotic is doing a top job as fitness coach, and I’ve known Drazen Grujicic for years anyway. Overall, I think the mix of personalities is very good—the coaching team complements each other perfectly.
With Drazen Grujicic you are joined by an assistant coach you have already worked successfully with in Traiskirchen and Stripfing. What sets him apart?
Drazen played football himself at a high level and brings a lot of experience. Above all, on a personal level, he is absolutely reliable and very strong socially. As an assistant coach, he feels very comfortable in his role and has an eye for things that as head coach you can’t always focus on. He notices those things, and after five years of working together we see football in exactly the same way.
What do you expect from Saturday’s match against the Young Violets?
I expect us to show right from the start that we really want to win the game. We want to play courageously—both with and without the ball. Of course, I’m hoping for three points in the end.
What areas did you focus on in the short preparation time?
First, it was about getting to know the players’ individual strengths better. After that, we clearly oriented the training sessions toward Saturday’s game—how we want to defend against the Young Violets and how we want to play offensively.
What will be decisive to start successfully into your first match as Vienna coach?
It will be crucial that we appear brave from the very beginning and show the right attitude. It’s also important to have positive moments early on so that the players gain confidence. In the end, wins are the best way to build self-confidence. And if things don’t go so well, we have to go back to basics, focus on our strengths, and consistently execute the simple things.
What short-term goals do you have with the team in the coming weeks?
Right now, I’m mainly thinking about the first match. What matters is that we get off to a positive start on Saturday. After that, we need to keep going step by step. The season is long, we still have many rounds ahead of us. But it’s clear: by the winter break, we want to reduce the gap to the top—or at least not let it grow.
What message would you like to give to Vienna’s fans upon your return and the start of this new phase?
The support of our fans is enormously important to us, especially at home matches, where they are an incredible backing. I know the word “patience” can be difficult, but it will be crucial that we all work on this path together. I can promise: we will play with courage, passion, and an attacking mindset. But only together with our fans can we take step by step to get Vienna back to where it belongs.
