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FOOTBALL EUROPE: Rösler hoping to lead Viking abroad

/noticias.info/ Shrewd dealings in the transfer market and retaining the services of their top scorer have made Viking FK one of the clubs strongly fancied to lift the Norwegian league trophy this year.

European priority
Coach Uwe Rösler transformed a side struggling to stay in the Tippeligaen into last year’s the bronze medal winners. Although Rösler's main aim is to fight for the title, the German has also set his sights set on continental glory. "For me, success in Europe is very important," said Rösler. "If we have an important UEFA Cup game in midweek, I may well rest players in the league game before." Getting to the group stage of next season's UEFA Cup is certainly one of the club's biggest goals.

New recruits
To help achieve success both home and away, Viking have been very active in the transfer market. Czech Republic Under-21 attacking midfielder Martin Fillo has been signed to fill Søren Berg's boots, Joakim Austnes, signed from Aalesunds FK, will ensure more competition in wide positions, while Kristian Nicht will give Thomas Myhre a run for his money for the No1 goalkeeper's spot. Talented striker Tommy Høiland has also been bought from local club Bryne FK, but he is seen as a player for the future.

Striking options
One area it seemed Viking might struggle was in attack ever since last year's top scorer Peter Ijeh said he wanted to leave the club in January. However, Ijeh has now opted to stay despite the club already acting on his announcement by bringing in Lithuanian striker Andrius Velička from Scottish club Heart of Midlothian FC as a replacement. Rösler said: "Having two quality strikers in the squad will give me more options. I can't promise that both will play all the time. We had most success last year with a system using only one centre-forward."

Cautious approach
Although the signs certainly bode well, the 39-year-old frowned when hearing that many people are tipping his side to win the league, including Lillestrøm SK coach Tom Nordlie and FC København coach Ståle Solbakken. "Of course we hope to achieve goals this season, but it is very early to tip us for the title," said Rösler. His team played poorly in a recent pre-season game, promtping the coach to say: "It seems the players have read too many papers." notas_de_prensa_archivo