Stefan Maierhofer is in the starting blocks. “The Major” has the green light and is determined to successfully complete another professional mission after his unsuccessful engagement with Würzburg
No other footballer polarises as much in Austria as Stefan Maierhofer. “Der Major” made it from the fourth-class Lower Austrian Landesliga to Bayern, shot Rapid Wien to the 2008 championship title as the congenial “Maierhoffer” forward duo with fellow striker Jimmy Hoffer, and became persona non grata for many in Hütteldorf when he later also successfully went on the goal and title hunt for RB Salzburg.
The Tall Man from Gablitz, who did not enjoy a profound academy education like so many professionals, but helped out in his parents’ inn, was often criticised. In the end, however, he prevailed at almost all of his stations and enjoys legendary status at MSV Duisburg, for example, not least thanks to his irrepressible will to work.
And Maierhofer, soon to be 40, still hasn’t had enough! “Football is my elixir of life. I’m fit, nothing hurts me in the morning. I definitely want to play for a professional club again if the concept fits and everyone is fully behind it.”
Würzburg, where Maierhofer only made wildcard appearances in the 2nd Bundesliga last season, must not have been the end of his now 16-year professional career. “Unfortunately, a lot of things didn’t fit there and critical voices were also not welcome,” said Maierhofer.
Daughter as booster
Inquiries have certainly fluttered in to the Major in the last few months, but he was still holding back then. Now he has the “green light” again, because Maierhofer has been the proud father of daughter Lina for a few days, and can examine offers – also from abroad – carefully.
The 39-year-old has kept fit with tennis, padel tennis, cycling and lots of sessions in the weight room. Playing in the lower divisions was out of the question. “That’s a bit dangerous, because I always throw myself into it and don’t like to pull back,” says the 101-pounder with a shoe size of 48 2/3.
Coaching career can wait
He is grateful to his agency “Sportscon”, especially boss Franz Leitner. “If only I’d been there sooner,” sighs Maierhofer, “I’m sure we’ll find something suitable.” Gradually, however, the major becomes fidgety. Sitting around is not his thing: “I’m going to go chop some wood right now.”
The coaching career will definitely have to wait. Maierhofer has had the UEFA A licence for some time, has led several training sessions in the academies in St. Pölten, Mattersburg and in Aarau, and has also been on duty at Admira, Würzburg and WSG Tirol, partly as a co-trainer.
“Those were definitely great experiences,” says Maierhofer, “but everything in its own time. Even as a co-coach, I still have to learn, learn, learn. Because as a professional head coach you only have to do one thing – deliver!”