The 63-year-old German announced this at his inaugural press conference on Sunday in Bad Tatzmannsdorf. “In the last few days we’ve come to the conclusion that it’s better for me, and ultimately also for Manchester United, that I can fully concentrate on the job here,” said Rangnick.
Rangnick has been working as an interim coach at ManUnited since December 2021. Originally, Franco Foda’s successor should have worked as an advisor for the English team in parallel to his work as ÖFB team boss.
Rangnick wants to lead the Austrian national soccer team back to old heights. “I think there is a lot of potential in this squad,” said the 63-year-old German. It was a “very appealing task” to bring the ÖFB selection back from 34th place in the world rankings.
“It’s been a while since the Austrian national team drew attention to themselves with heroic deeds,” recalled Rangnick, who invited a 25-man squad to Burgenland. Getting to know his players was on the program on Sunday evening, the first, public training session will follow on Monday morning.
Rangnick’s premiere as ÖFB team boss is scheduled for Friday in the Nations League in Osijek against vice world champions Croatia, the following Monday at home against EM semi-finalists Denmark and four days later again in Vienna against world champions France. The two-week meeting will conclude on June 13 with a guest performance in Denmark.
When nominating his first squad, Rangnick had, among other things, renounced the hundred-time international Aleksandar Dragovic. The 31-year-old defender, who scored the double with Red Star Belgrade, is still missing three ÖFB appearances on record player Andreas Herzog (103). Rangnick argued the non-nomination primarily with sporting criteria.
“It wasn’t a decision against Drago, but for the others,” explained Rangnick. In addition to central midfield, there is almost an oversupply in Austria, especially in central defence. He also sees Champions League winner David Alaba primarily – as with Real Madrid – in central defense or in the center of midfield, explained Rangnick.
Source: Nachrichten
