Austrian women's coach Kenesei: 'We let ourselves be liked too much'

Austrian women's football coach Stefan Kenesei has expressed his team’s determination ahead of their crucial Champions League qualifier against Brann Bergen on Tuesday. The match, set for 6 p.m. at the Generali Arena and broadcast live on ORF 1, represents a historic opportunity for the Austria team, marking their first-ever participation in the competition. A win would secure a financial reward of approximately 600,000 euros from the UEFA, which could cover nearly two-thirds of the club’s annual budget. Beyond the financial implications, the game holds immense symbolic value, offering many players their debut in Europe’s premier club competition. The Austrian Women’s National Team previously faced Brann Bergen in the third and final qualifying round in Norway, where they suffered a 2–1 defeat. Despite this setback, Kenesei believes the team has gained valuable insight into their opponents' strengths and weaknesses. He emphasized that while the challenge posed by the Scandinavian league is formidable, the team feels confident in its ability to overcome these obstacles. “We thought it would be extremely difficult,” he stated, “but after the first leg, we believe it is possible.” Kenesei, who has been coaching the team for three and a half years, highlighted the distinct dynamics of working with female athletes compared to male counterparts. He noted that the players are highly inquisitive, often questioning tactical decisions and striving for thorough preparation. This level of engagement requires a different approach than traditional coaching methods, as there is no fixed playbook to rely upon. “They want to be taken seriously in everything they do,” he explained, underscoring the need for coaches to adapt their communication style accordingly. While Kenesei acknowledges the importance of maintaining a firm stance during training, he also recognizes the emotional aspect of coaching. He uses terms such as “Mädels” in team discussions, a practice he admits took some time to adjust to. The locker room environment presents unique challenges, particularly regarding access. Although he does not enter the room regularly, Kenesei maintains a structured routine, including brief pre-match meetings and individual conversations outside the locker room. His approach reflects a balance between professionalism and personal connection. The coaching staff is predominantly male, though the team includes exclusively female physiotherapists. Kenesei stressed the significance of this choice, noting that while players might not mind having male therapists, the presence of female professionals creates a more comfortable environment, especially for younger players. “If even one player felt uncomfortable, I wouldn’t be happy,” he said, highlighting the team’s commitment to inclusivity and well-being. In moments of celebration or emotional intensity, Kenesei embraces a supportive leadership style, often sharing hugs with players. However, he insists that such gestures are purely professional, rooted in the spirit of teamwork rather than personal affection. He acknowledged that relationships between coaches and players, or among players themselves, are common in women’s football and are approached with openness and honesty. While such dynamics exist in men’s football as well, they are rarely discussed openly. “I’d say there are relationships in both leagues,” he remarked, “but nobody talks about them.”