Weimann ‘looking forward’ to Bristol City visit

Blackburn Rovers striker Andi Weimann says he is looking forward to playing in front of Bristol City fans when they face his former side this weekend in the Championship.

Weimann officially left the Robins this summer after six years at the club, where he made over 200 appearances and scored 51 goals.

He joined West Bromwich Albion on loan in January and was ineligible to play against his parent club when the two sides met in March.

“I’ve always had a good relationship with the (Bristol City) fans. When I left I got nothing but nice messages from the fans, online and in person,” Weimann told BBC Radio Bristol.

“I’m really looking forward to playing against Bristol City again and seeing the fans and maybe getting some applause and then giving it back.”

He scored three goals for Blackburn in all competitions as they started the 2024–25 season unbeaten.

Among them was a sensational volley in a 1-1 draw with Burnley on August 31, which Weimann said was “up there” with his best goals.

“I couldn’t have hit it any better. It was one of those shots when you hit it and you know straight away it’s going in,” he added.

“What made it even more special is that I didn’t know before the game how big a derby it was between Blackburn and Burnley.”

However, Weimann said he “didn’t think” he would celebrate if he scored against Bristol City on Saturday.

‘The squad is more confident’

The 33-year-old moved to Ewood Park after playing for Austria at Euro 2024, partly due to his relationship with manager John Eustace.

The pair played together briefly at Watford in 2011 when Weimann was there on loan early in his career.

“I don’t know if that makes me old or if that makes him (Eustace) young, I’m not sure,” Weimann said.

“We asked if I could join the training to keep in shape, with the possibility of a contract also being on the table if that worked for both of us.”

Blackburn finished 19th last season and Weimann was one of a number of players signed this summer.

“When I arrived the squad was quite small. We signed about 10 players, including myself, in pre-season so the squad looks a bit healthier now and the start has given us a bit more confidence,” he said.

“I think we hope to move up the table rather than fight relegation again.”