Ralf Rangnick: “Alaba, Gregoritsch, Laimer – they don’t float in other dimensions”

After home wins against Azerbaijan (4-1) and Estonia (2-1), four games against Belgium and Sweden will follow in June and autumn. “If we have more or less all the players available, then this team can not only survive against any opponent, but also win,” said the 64-year-old on Wednesday in Innsbruck.

At a conference of the sports journalists’ association SMA, Rangnick explained that the ÖFB team wanted to spark euphoria among the fans again. “One of our goals is to get the whole country behind this team.” The German is also counting on this in the home game against Sweden on June 20 in Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium. “I hope the Sweden game will be sold out.”

The Rangnick squad had already tried to approach the fans, for example through public training sessions. “Especially if we want to get the nation behind us, it’s important that we stay a little hands-on and notice the people, David Alaba, Michael Gregoritsch, Konrad Laimer, Ralf Rangnick – they don’t float in others dimensions, but are normal people,” explained the team boss.

“I’m in good spirits”

After several starting eleven candidates were injured in the game against Estonia, Rangnick hopes to “have as many men on board as possible again in June. I assume that Xaver Schlager will be available again and that Marko Arnautovic will have played again by then. Some of the others who dropped out are already playing again, so I’m in good spirits.”

The coach is pleased that some positions in the ÖFB team are currently particularly strong – Rangnick named the central defense and the entire midfield area.

“A few players have come to the fore now. Kevin Danso, for example, is one of the most interesting centre-backs in Europe at the moment for me. He’s at the top of many big clubs’ wish lists.”

Happy about Wimmer’s development

Patrick Wimmer also highlighted the ex-Manchester United coach. “He has developed into an absolute top performer at VfL Wolfsburg. That type of player is good for us. Because Austrian football doesn’t have that many speed dribblers who also have the necessary physique at the moment.”

Rangnick once again emphasized that the ÖFB conducts intensive scouting, especially for young players who could be considered for the ÖFB team.

However, he denied media reports that he had spoken to Chelsea’s Carney Chuckwuemeka. “There hasn’t been any contact yet and as far as we know this is a player who wants to play for England and not Austria.”