Red Star coach Riera continues to count on Marko Arnautovic

Background to the transfer

Red Star Belgrade plays in the Serbian SuperLiga this season as well as internationally in the Conference League. The club intends to compete for titles in both competitions and is also relying on Arnautovic's experience. With his routine, he is expected to take responsibility especially in decisive phases of matches.

The 37-year-old is Austria's most-capped player with 134 appearances and is therefore one of the country's most influential attacking players. In Belgrade, he is now set to continue this role in a new environment and contribute to the hoped-for success with goals and assists.

Role in the team and competition

Coach Riera stressed that the Viennese's settling-in phase is not yet complete and that he will continue to show patience. At the same time, he set clear performance expectations and pointed to the strong competition in the squad. Alongside Arnautovic, other attacking options such as Bamba Dieng and Aleksandar Katai are available.

In Serbian football, meanwhile, close attention is being paid to how the team's attacking unit develops under Riera. Red Star, as serial SuperLiga champions, is once again one of the favorites for the title this season and wants to make a splash internationally. The Arnautovic situation has attracted attention beyond the country's borders as well.

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Arnautovic, together with Aleksandar Dragovic, is regarded as one of the Austrian figureheads in the club's squad. Both moved to Belgrade with aspirations of titles and international stature. Riera's commitment to Arnautovic provides stability for the sporting plans for the time being.

Outlook for the season

The coach also pointed out that sporting decisions would not be judged solely on individual performances. He sees Arnautovic in a leadership role within the team and wants to specifically nurture that responsibility. In doing so, the new coach sends a signal to the squad that continuity and patience take priority in the development process.

For Red Star Belgrade, a phase of sporting consolidation now begins under Riera. After the speculation of recent weeks, the Arnautovic situation has been resolved for the time being, and the focus now turns to the upcoming tasks in the league and the Conference League.