“It comes down to execution” - Calaycay on key to victory

The Vienna Vikings are back in the Semi Finals of the European League of Football and will face the Nordic Storm in Vienna. Head Coach Chris Calaycay shared his thoughts on the matchup, the strength of his opponent, and why his team’s focus will be on execution.

Are the Vikings the title favorites?

With Rhein Fire out, many people see the Vikings as the new top favorite. Coach Calaycay, however, prefers to keep things simple. “Whether we are the favorites or not is for the fans and the media to decide. For us, it’s about preparation, tradition, and culture. We always want to be in a position to compete for championships, and I am proud we are here again."

Respect for the Nordic Storm

The Vikings coach had strong words of respect for the expansion team from Copenhagen. “They have shown a lot of offensive firepower with Jadrian Clark, Brendan Beaulieu, and Coach John Shoop. The system works really well, and we know we must prepare for that. Storm has a lot of potential on offense.”

He highlighted the Storm’s ability to spread the field, play with empty protection, and let Clark make quick decisions. “They are very concise, and Jadrian makes good reads. We must be ready for quarterback runs and their ability to create big plays.”

Watch the Fire at Storm highlights here!

Execution over distraction

For Calaycay, the key will not only be stopping the Storm offense but also focusing on his own team’s strengths. “In big games it always comes down to turnovers, special teams, and execution. We have great players, but we must stick to the game plan, play fast, play physical, and avoid mistakes that cost field position or points.”

Lessons from the season

The Vikings had a bye week before the Semi Finals, which gave the coaching staff time to fine-tune details and prepare for possible opponents. Calaycay explained that the team used the time to work on special situations like overtime, two-point conversions, and late-game plays. “You never know when these situations come up, so it’s important to practice them.”

He also pointed out how much the team learned in the tough game against Paris. “That was basically a playoff game already. It showed the character of our team when our backs were against the wall.”

Watch the Musketeers at Vikings highlights here!

Home advantage in Vienna

The Semi Final will be played at Hohe Warte Stadium in Vienna, where a big home crowd is expected. “Playing at home is a huge advantage. The stadium is loud, the atmosphere is fantastic, and it can make life very difficult for the opponent. We worked hard for this number one seed, and now we want to use it.”

Experience matters

Almost half of the current Vikings roster played in the 2022 Championship-winning team. For Calaycay, this experience could be an important factor. “We have 22 players who were part of the 2022 championship run. They know these situations. That can be a big advantage for us.”

Looking ahead

The Vikings enter the Semi Finals with confidence, tradition, and experience on their side. But Coach Calaycay knows the Nordic Storm will be a dangerous opponent with one of the most explosive offenses in the ELF. For Vienna, the focus remains clear: execute the game plan, trust the preparation, and rely on their fans to push them one step closer to the Championship Game.

Get your tickets for the 2025 Championship Game here!