Kitchee signal AFC Champions League intent with Jakob Jantscher capture

Head coach says newly signed Austrian international forward ‘can enhance technical quality, dynamism, and depth in the team’

Jantscher, who was the Austrian Bundesliga player of the season for 2021-22, is set for his debut against Eastern on Saturday

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Kitchee head coach Alex Chu Chi-kwong (right) expects new striker Jakob Jantscher to add depth to his squad ahead of their assault on the AFC Champions League. Photo: Handout

Published: 2:24pm, 31 Aug 2023Updated: 3:57pm, 31 Aug 2023

Head coach Alex Chu Chi-kwong said new recruit Jakob Jantscher would add “technical quality and dynamism” to a Kitchee team intent on a stellar AFC Champions League campaign this season.

Austria international Jantscher completed his transfer from Sturm Graz on Wednesday, and is poised for his debut against Eastern at Mong Kok Stadium this weekend, when the VAR system will be employed for the first time in the Hong Kong Premier League.

“Leaving SK Sturm Graz for the second time in my career wasn’t easy at all,” Jantscher – who will wear the No 89 shirt – said in a press release.

Jakob Jantscher will wear the No 89 shirt for Kitchee. Photo: Handout

“I left the club for the first time for a new challenge when I was 21, and I left the club for the second time with the same purpose at the age of 34.

“This is going to be my first time playing in Asia, and I am really looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

With 23 caps for his country, Jantscher was Austrian Bundesliga player of the season for 2021-22 after scoring 14 goals and assisting 17 in 30 appearances.

Jakob Jantscher is relishing the chance to play in Asia. Photo: Getty Images

“We are about to start our ACL journey, and Jakob’s arrival can definitely enhance the technical quality, dynamism, and depth in the team,” Chu said. “He can play as a striker and operate in both wide positions.”