Ralf Rangnick (right) has led Austria for two years.
Ralf Rangnick’s departure from Manchester United over two years ago marked a low point in his reputation. The 65-year-old interim manager faced challenges in achieving results and earning players’ respect, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s skepticism. However, in Berlin this week, Rangnick’s Austria team showcased a performance against the Netherlands that not only highlighted his “Godfather of the Gegenpress” title but also demonstrated strong player support. Scoring in their 3-2 win over the Dutch, Captain Marcel Sabitzer praised Rangnick’s strategy and team leadership.
Since Ralf Rangnick took over in April 2022, Austria has shown notable development, securing impressive wins against teams like Italy and drawing with Belgium and France before Euro 2024. After losing to France initially, Austria bounced back with wins over Poland and the Netherlands, demonstrating superior energy and discipline. Tom Middler from the Austrian football podcast “The Other Bundesliga” noted the stark contrast in Austria’s playing style under Rangnick compared to his predecessor, Franco Foda. This shift towards a more aggressive, pressing approach has resonated well with the players, reflecting a cohesive team dynamic rarely seen before.
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock praised Austria’s organization and discipline, highlighting Rangnick’s meticulous planning and the team’s collective effort both in possession and out of it. Rangnick seamlessly transitioned to international management, leveraging the structured schedule for strategy refinement and tactical adjustments. Despite Austria’s impressive performance topping a tough group, Rangnick remains cautiously optimistic about their Euro 2024 prospects, emphasizing a step-by-step approach.
Captain Sabitzer, meanwhile, believes in Austria’s potential to make a deep run in the tournament, highlighting their quality and determination as key assets. As Austria progresses in Euro 2024, pundits will closely watch to see how far they can go under Rangnick’s guidance.
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