Sturm Graz are imposing a blackout on their final friendly match to prevent Hearts from gathering intelligence ahead of their Champions League second qualifying round tie. The Austrian club have also recalled Bosnian World Cup defender Arjan Malic early from his holiday to ensure he is available for the first leg next week.
Blackout on Final Friendly
Sturm Graz face Polish side Pogon Szczecin in their last pre-season friendly before taking on Hearts. The club has insisted the game will be played behind closed doors, with no streaming allowed, to keep the Scottish Premiership runners-up guessing about their tactics and lineup.
Head coach Fabio Ingolitsch confirmed the decision, saying: "We won't be mixing things up - we will put together a team from the start who are ready for our first competitive matches."
Malic Recalled Early
Key defender Arjan Malic, who played for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the World Cup, has been called back from his holiday to prepare for the Hearts clash. Ingolitsch stated: "Arjan has been back since Monday. He had ten days of holiday after the World Cup, which unfortunately is a bit too short. But we have an important game next week and we definitely want him with us."
Midfielder Otar Kiteishvili is also back in full training and expected to play a part in the friendly. Ingolitsch added: "Everyone will get playing time."
Hearts Preparation
Hearts, managed by Wouter Vrancken, will face Sturm Graz in the second qualifying round of the Champions League. The first leg is scheduled for next week, with the return leg to follow. The Scottish side finished runners-up in the Premiership last season to secure their place in the competition.
Sturm Graz's secretive approach highlights the high stakes of the tie, as both sides seek to advance in Europe's premier club competition.
