In the Nations League game in Osijek against Croatia (Friday, 8:45 p.m. / live ORF 1), the new team boss is on the sidelines for the first time for the ÖFB selection and is hoping for a sense of achievement. “The anticipation is great, now it’s time to get started. We want to play a good game and try to win,” said the German on Thursday before leaving Bad Tatzmannsdorf.
In the camp in southern Burgenland, the national team completed four sessions that ran to Rangnick’s complete satisfaction. “We had great energy on the pitch and all around it. The lads were all very concentrated and focused,” reported Rangnick.
His first impressions were consistently positive. “It’s a real group so I’m optimistic for the next games. If we can bring that spirit onto the pitch, coupled with the way we want to play, we can look forward to the games.”
According to Rangnick, the sense of togetherness could be a key success factor. “It’s really striking how much time the lads spend together. That’s not something you take for granted in a national team and it’s a good prerequisite for the sense of unity that we need to beat teams that are higher in the rankings.”
The ÖFB team travels as world number 34. to Osijek, where the current Vice World Champion and 16th in the world rankings is waiting. There were just as many defeats for Austria in five duels against the Croats. “Stats are there to be changed,” Rangnick said. In the group with the other opponents France and Denmark, you are the clear underdog. “But that makes it even more interesting. Betting odds don’t matter.”
Alaba is missing against Croatia
The 63-year-old hopes that as much of his philosophy as possible can be seen on Friday. “For me, it’s all about control. We want to determine the course of things ourselves, which also applies to the switching moments in both directions,” emphasized Rangnick. “We want to feel in control. That’s doubly important against teams like Croatia, who play very well and like to have the ball. If you let them kick it, it’s difficult to even get possession.”
Controlling the game over 90 minutes against a team like Croatia is difficult, admitted Rangnick. “It’s about catching the right moments.” The neo-team boss left it open with which line-up this should succeed. The only thing that is fixed is that David Alaba will not be used.
The newly crowned Champions League winner arrived in Bad Tatzmannsdorf on Wednesday, but did not fly to Croatia and will only be available again on Saturday in Vienna. “I had a personal conversation with him last night, in which we both agreed that he would stay here,” said Rangnick. In the next game on Monday in Vienna’s Happel Stadium against Denmark, the ÖFB star will definitely start.
Alaba is scheduled to be Rangnick’s captain. The coach did not want to reveal who would wear the ribbon in the absence of the Viennese. “It should be a player with enough experience.” Rangnick made it clear that the player leader would be determined by him and his coaching team, not by the team.
Also in terms of goalkeepers – Heinz Lindner, Patrick Pentz, Martin Fraisl are possible – the German did not let his cards be looked at. “I’m aware that there hasn’t been a clear number one in Austria lately. Now we have to see who emerges and who suits the way we want to play best.” In the four upcoming international matches, each of the three keepers will probably get playing time, announced Rangnick.
Gallery: Impressions of the ÖFB training
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Intensive training
The national coach completed the final training session with his squad in Bad Tatzmannsdorf and not at the venue, as was customary in away country matches. “If it’s just a matter of moving a bit, you can do that there in the stadium, but tactical content doesn’t make sense from a double point of view. Training after the flight would involve more of a risk of someone getting injured. Also you can be sure that people would also see this training session,” said Rangnick.
Two training sessions were originally planned for Tuesday and Wednesday, but Rangnick then canceled the afternoon sessions. “The morning training sessions were already demanding enough, so less was more,” explained the team boss. He was able to convey content well in the units, “there was a real fire going on”. Now they want to confirm the positive trend against Croatia. “It’s about winning at least more games than not winning. You only have fun and joy in football if you win in the end,” said Rangnick.
The ÖFB selection still has a chance of success after the guest appearance in Croatia against Denmark on Monday and on the following Friday against world champions France in the Happel Stadium. The course concludes with the match on June 13 in Copenhagen against Denmark.
Source: Nachrichten
