Rapid coach Hoff Thorup after 8-0 rout: 'There will also be difficult moments'

Rapid achieved a resounding 8-0 victory against GAK in the Austrian Football Bundesliga, securing their highest home win since the Allianz Stadion opened in 2016. The dominant performance propelled the team to the top of the league table, ahead of reigning champions LASK, due to a superior goal difference.

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I believe that was the first time in my coaching career that I actually had moments where I could sit back and just enjoy watching my football team play.

Coach Johannes Hoff Thorup described the match as a rare moment where he could "sit back and just enjoy watching my football team play." This marked the highest win of his coaching career. The team's collective strength and ability to compensate for each other's mistakes were highlighted as key factors in their success.

Striker Tonni Adamsen, who joined Rapid from Denmark before the season, had a memorable Bundesliga debut by scoring four goals. He acknowledged the team effort behind his individual success, stating, "But one must also recognize that much of it was a team performance. This is the result of the work that the team has built up from behind."

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But one must also recognize that much of it was a team performance. This is the result of the work that the team has built up from behind.

Coach Hoff Thorup also lauded the synergy between Adamsen and striker Ercan Kara, who scored twice in the match. He praised Yusuf Demir's improved performance, particularly his work rate without the ball. The coach was impressed by Rapid's sustained intensity in the second half, emphasizing the need to utilize every minute to improve as a team.

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I find we are seeing really good performances at the moment when they are on the pitch together. Tonni has a good feel for the right position in the penalty area.

Despite the current winning streak, Hoff Thorup cautioned that "there will also be difficult moments." The team's resilience in overcoming adversity was crucial, and he anticipates this strength will be tested in their upcoming Conference League playoff match against Hearts in Edinburgh. Defender Jakob Schöller sustained an injury during the match and might be unavailable for the next game.

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Only if we fully utilize every minute of the game can we improve as a team. Of course, there are many positive aspects with eight wins at the moment. There were also less good moments in all games. But I have liked the team's reaction so far. That is what counts for me. It will also be difficult moments, and we need this strength then.