Ralf Rangnick, once a caricature of failure at Manchester United, has completed a remarkable turnaround with Austria. After just 20 games in charge of the Austrian national team, Bayern Munich came calling, but the 65-year-old coach declined their offer.
Rangnick, initially renowned for his role as a sporting director at the Red Bull clubs, is now far along the path to redemption. Criticism marred his tenure at Old Trafford, including a harsh remark from Cristiano Ronaldo, who dismissed him, saying, “This guy is not even a coach.”
However, Austria’s form under Rangnick has been impressive. The team has lost only one of their past 16 games, demonstrating the effectiveness of Rangnick’s high-pressing, fast-transition style, often associated with the Red Bull philosophy—a label he rejects.
Austria finished just one point behind Belgium in their qualifying campaign, losing only once to the Red Devils. Yet, some of the optimism has waned due to significant injuries. Star player David Alaba ruptured his cruciate ligament while playing for Real Madrid and will be a non-playing captain in Germany. The same injury has also sidelined Xaver Schlager, a midfield lynchpin.
Despite distractions from rumors linking Rangnick to Bayern Munich, he remains committed to Austria and is highly respected in Vienna. In a recent interview with Der Standard, he discussed the political landscape in Europe, condemning the rise of far-right views and emphasizing the importance of migration in football. “We as a national team must stand up for the right values,” he stated, highlighting the diversity within his team.
Rangnick’s team will adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, with players versatile enough to adapt as needed. Marcel Sabitzer, another former Manchester United player, has found new success at Borussia Dortmund and will be crucial, either in central midfield or out wide. Meanwhile, Expectations are that Nicolas Seiwald, a holding midfielder for RB Leipzig, will be pivotal in maintaining tempo and defensive solidity.
Austria faces a tough group in the tournament, starting against France in Dusseldorf, followed by Poland in Berlin, and concluding with the Netherlands. The outcome may hinge on the second game, but Rangnick, now proving his credentials as a coach, is ready to defy expectations and critics alike.
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