Vienna Strengthen Defense with Marco Gantschnig
At the start of the year, First Vienna FC 1894 make their first statement on the transfer market by securing the services of Marco Gantschnig. The 28-year-old defensive player has signed a contract at the Hohe Warte running until the summer of 2027. Most recently, the Carinthian featured for Austria Klagenfurt during the autumn season.
With Gantschnig, the Blue-Yellows bring an experienced defender to Vienna-Döbling who knows the second division (“Liga Zwa”) inside out and is expected to add extra stability to the team. The new signing not only brings experience, but also leadership qualities, expanding the tactical options in defense.
Head coach Hans Kleer is convinced of the new arrival:
“Marco combines defensive quality with game intelligence and experience. He can play several positions in the back line, which gives us greater flexibility. He is also a type of player who takes responsibility and provides the team with security through his presence.”
The numbers underline his consistency: 15 Bundesliga appearances last season, 161 matches in the second tier, and more than 100 games in the Regionalliga speak for themselves. Gantschnig has also been a regular feature in the Austrian Cup (ÖFB-Cup).
Gantschnig began his football education in Steinfeld and Lurnfeld before joining the SK Sturm Graz academy at the age of just 13. There, he progressed through all youth levels up to the U21s. The 1.82-meter-tall defender gained his first professional experience on loan at Kapfenberger SV. In 2019, he moved to GAK, celebrating promotion to the Bundesliga with the club in the summer of 2024. He then gained top-flight experience with the Graz side in the following season before joining Austria Klagenfurt on loan in the summer of 2025.
The new signing is highly motivated about his new challenge:
“I deliberately chose this step because I see great potential here. The talks were very positive, and I feel that something special can develop at Vienna. I want to contribute my experience, take on responsibility, and move forward successfully together with the team.”
Profile: Marco Gantschnig
- Date of birth: 18 October 1997
- Height: 1.82 m
- Last club: Austria Klagenfurt
- Position: Defender
