The Graz 99ers’ historic title win also makes the club’s founder very happy. Jochen Pildner-Steinburg is satisfied with the development of “his” club – but in the same breath he also expresses cautious criticism of the current course.
Proud of development – respect for Jerich
Pildner-Steinburg is pleased that Graz has developed into an ice hockey stronghold. After difficult early years, the project has established itself over almost three decades. He pays great respect to the current president Herbert Jerich, who brought the title to Graz with a lot of commitment and financial resources. However, his approach is different: While Jerich relies on quick successes, Pildner-Steinburg himself would have preferred a more cautious, long-term approach.
“Money makes the world go round”
The 66-year-old openly told the “Kleine Zeitung” that success is also linked to financial opportunities. The 99ers went from being a financial medium-sized company to Croesus and made targeted investments – albeit with salaries that he himself would not have paid. “I follow everything that happens like a hawk. But yes, it’s not my way. And I also warned against aiming for the title too quickly. But it’s his nature, you can’t talk Herbert Jerich out of that: he wants the “quick wins”. And he has it. He achieved a lot with his own efforts, identified himself strongly, brought a lot of motivation and of course provided a lot of input in every form. But I don’t want to judge whether it’s a sustainable path.” Nevertheless, he recognizes the work of the management: the available resources were used effectively.
Distance with regard to your “own child”
As honorary president, Pildner-Steinburg continues to follow events closely, but consciously keeps a low profile operationally. However, he now observes the development of the 99ers from a more relaxed perspective. One thing is clear to him: success proves that the current path is right, even if he wouldn’t have chosen it himself.
Pic: PULS24/Fellner
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