Chances for Austria at the European Football Championship? This is what the former team captains say

Despite prominent absences and difficult group opponents, Andreas Ivanschitz, Christian Fuchs and Julian Baumgartlinger believe Ralf Rangnick’s team can do a lot. The trio’s tenor in discussions with the APA – Austria Press Agency in Vienna was that making it to the knockout phase was definitely possible. According to Baumgartlinger, the Austrians have “one of the toughest groups ahead of them. Nevertheless, after their recent run and thanks to the identity they have developed, they can get to the round of 16. And once they are there, there is even more to come.”

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Baumgartlinger described the absences of David Alaba, Xaver Schlager, Sasa Kalajdzic and possibly also Alexander Schlager as “glaring. But we have never had a squad as broad as we have now. In any case, you get more from the game philosophy and not so much from individual players.”

Baumgartlinger was part of the 2016 European Championship and served as regular captain in 2021, even though he only played once due to a knee injury he suffered beforehand. Three years ago there was an honorable round of 16 exit after extra time against eventual European champions Italy, and eight years ago they suffered shipwreck despite great euphoria beforehand.

Baumgartlinger was self-critical in this regard. “In 2016, there were not only unrealistic expectations from outside. We ourselves also believed that we were better.” In the test matches before the European Championship in France, the team was already far from the performances of the qualifiers. “Back then, things were left to their own devices. We hoped that it would work out at the European Championship, but that wasn’t the case,” explained the now Sky expert.

Baumgartlinger still remembers Alaba’s shot that hit the post after a few seconds against Hungary (0:2) and the penalty missed by Aleksandar Dragovic against Iceland (1:2). “There is one variable that you cannot control, but which plays an important role, and that is a bit of luck. That sounds arbitrary, but it is true.” Routine is also a factor. “In 2016, tournament experience was lacking, and that was noticeable. Now there are some who have already experienced a European Championship,” explained the former Germany legionnaire.

Team has made “a very big leap”

The 2016 captain Fuchs is also still feeling the effects of the failure from back then. “We had a really good qualifying, everyone was over the moon and believed that the run would continue. But it’s not that easy.” The advice of the Lower Austrian, who is part of the coaching staff of the MLS club Charlotte, to the current team is: “Modesty is a very good virtue. You must not let yourself be influenced by what the media writes and what fans post.” In this respect, however, he sees no danger in the ÖFB team, stressed the former left-back.

Compared to 2016, the ÖFB selection has made a “huge leap in terms of maturity and quality,” said Fuchs. “Many of them play at the highest level, and with Rangnick the team has taken another step.” Therefore, the absences should be manageable. “There’s nothing you can do about the injured players anyway. You have to focus on who is available and what you can influence. Others have injury problems too.”

Ivanschitz also warned against complaining too much about the absences. “The loss of Alaba is a heavy blow, he is an amazing guy, our outstanding footballer of the last few years. He will be missed just like the others, but the guys who will play have already shown that they have quality and can upset big teams.”

At the 2008 European Championships at home, Austria was a clear underdog; unlike the current squad, legionnaires were a rarity. As in 2016, they were eliminated in the group stage. “But we had close results. It’s a shame we couldn’t create a sensation,” said Ivanschitz.

This time, the Vienna sports director believes that a big advance is not unrealistic, thanks in part to Rangnick. “The team manager is very clear in his communication and lets them play modern, active football. The team has this self-image, it is clearly Ralf Rangnick’s signature, and as a fan of the national team, that is great fun for me.”