Baric to lend Austria a hand
Monday, August 16, 2004
Article summary
Veteran coach Otto Baric has accepted a new challenge by taking an advisory role at FK Austria Wien.
Article body
Slow start
The 2002/03 double winners have so far failed to live up to expectations with only six points from the first five league games, while earning a 0-0 draw last week in their UEFA Cup second qualifying round first-leg match at FC Illychivets Mariupil. The Ukrainian team will make the return trip on 26 August.
'Plenty of experience'
Austria supremo Frank Stronach said Baric would offer valuable support to coach Lars Söndergaard and director of sport Günther Kronsteiner. "Otto Baric has plenty of experience in the job and he will analyse our situation and tell us all about our strengths and weaknesses and what we have to do to improve," said Stronach. Baric is well respected in the country, having had successful spells in charge of SV Austria Salzburg, SK Rapid Wien and SK Sturm Graz.
Summer disappointment
The 72-year-old, who has also led Austria's national team, retired as coach of Croatia after guiding his country to UEFA EURO 2004™. In Portugal, his side drew with Switzerland and France, but were denied access to the knockout stages after losing against England in their final group match. Baric has a contract with Austria until November.
