From soccer to football - Viking Maierhofer: "I need pressure"

Former professional footballer Stefan Maierhofer is set to make his debut for the Vienna Vikings in the European League of Football this Saturday (6:00 p.m. CET). The 42-year-old will take the field in the Battle of Austria against the Raiders Tirol at Viennas Generali Arena, where he will be part of the Vikings special teams unit.

"I remember the arena when I played for Rapid, it was packed and the atmosphere was always great", Maierhofer said ahead of the game. "Now I'm looking forward to that same feeling in football.” He added that he has been very well received by the team and the organization at the Vikings training facility in Vienna's Simmering district.

Maierhofer: "Cool experience to be part of it"

Having played for clubs including Rapid Vienna, in the German Bundesliga, and in England, Maierhofer now sees his football stint as a new sporting and personal challenge. "The Vienna Vikings have a huge reputation in Europe. The ELF is the third-best league in the world. These are big stages, and for me, it's a cool experience to be part of it and a great learning opportunity I get to take something from every day."

Maierhofers initial role will be limited, with coaches planning to use him mainly for kickoffs. "Kickoffs are the main focus for me right now. So far, training has gone really well. I think I've got the distance down, he said. Whether he will also attempt field goals in the game against the Raiders remains to be seen. If the opportunity comes up for me to kick a field goal, I won't say no. Field goals are special, the timing with the holder, and then the kick itself. I'm definitely looking forward to that first time in a real game."

Head coach Chris Calaycay confirmed the team's approach: "We're starting him off with kickoffs because he's got a strong leg. He can drive the ball into the end zone." Maierhofer has also begun working with the field goal unit, which has come under pressure in recent weeks. With regular kicker Dennis Tasic out injured, duties had been shared between Oskar Herz and Philipp Klar. In last weekend's win against Rhein Fire (12:7), Herz missed two short-range field goal attempts. "Honestly, we need to make those kicks to put points on the board", Calaycay noted.

Follow Raiders at Vikings play by play

"I need pressure to perform at my best"

Maierhofer acknowledged the pressure of his new role. "I need pressure to perform at my best. But you can't let it get to you. I had so many ball touches in soccer, but the few I have now in football really need to count." He's already developed a routine: "Eight steps back, four to the side, that's what kickers do."

To fine-tune his technique, Maierhofer has been working with former NFL kicker Giorgio Tavecchio. "He films everything and checks exactly how your hips are positioned, where your plant foot is. If the plant foot is even slightly turned outward, the ball goes wide left. There are so many small details you have to dial in during each training session to get it just right." Maierhofer has already successfully kicked from 35 and 40 yards in practice. His height (2.02 m) gives him an advantage: "I've got a long lever and a big swing. I don't need a ton of power, it's really all about the technique."

Stefan Maierhofer ©Hannes Jirgal.

Vikings quarterback Ben Holmes has also taken notice. "You can tell he's a pro. He's played in big games and knows how to handle those moments", said the American. Holmes continued: "I think it's cool that he still wants to compete. He used to wear green now he's in purple. Well, see if that gets a few boos. But hopefully, he nails those kicks."

Maierhofer has committed to the Vikings for one season. A future career in football management remains his long-term priority, something the organization is aware of. "But until then, I want to enjoy every training session and every game and help the team wherever I can", he said.

Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass on DAZN