Osijek (DPA) – “Madness!” Ralph Rangnick’s new employer wrote. And Austrian newspapers also praised the Austrian national football team’s first appearance under the direction of a 63-year-old football teacher from Germany.
The entertainment value for “Standard” has meanwhile increased to “almost utopian”. “Kleine Zeitung” commented: “They didn’t even shy away from playing with fire, what was before was sent into oblivion, risk, what more do you want.”
“No reason to celebrate yet”
But the Rangnik remained the whole Rangnik. “There is no great reason to celebrate yet,” Swabian said after Friday evening’s 3-0 win over Croatia. “There is no reason to get excited just yet,” stresses the former coach and above all, the development accelerator of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig.
And yet success in the first game of his tenure and the start of the Nations League was a first sign. Eventually, the opponent was called Croatia, and the vice-world champions also determined the game in the first half hour at home. “We practically didn’t get access to any of the stages,” Rangnik complained. However, his switch from three-man to four-man chain had an effect. “I think we completely controlled the game in the second half. In the end it could have been even more,” insisted Rangnik, who, apart from a good old acquaintance from the time together, had other Bundesliga experience. Professionals could also be trusted.
Everybody wanna show it’s a good team
His 33rd goal in the 99th international was scored by former Germany legend Marko Arnatovic (41st), as well as Michael Gregoritz of FC Augsburg (54th) and Marcel Sabitzer (57th) of Munich, whom Rangnik once brought to RB Leipzig. scored for (the remainder). ) 34. World Ranking. “Everyone wants to show again that we want to get back up and we’re just a good team,” said Arnatovic, who celebrated the first victory with his colleagues before flying back to Vienna with loud music in the cabin. celebrated.
Because the next game is on June 6th, then the opponent: Denmark. And beware: The Dane arrived with a 2-1 win against world champions France. The Austrians will play again against France in the capital on 10 June and again against the Danes on 13 June at the end of the First Nations League block.
«Our decision was right for Rangnik»
After that, at the latest, it will also be clear to them where the path could lead under Rangnik. Under its predecessor Franco Foda, Austria missed out on the World Cup at the end of the year. In late April, the association’s owners announced Rangnik’s commitment, at the time still a coach at Manchester United. Big goal: EM in Germany in 2024. Rangnik’s contract lasts until then. If he manages to qualify, cooperation will be extended to the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
“It’s not about satisfaction, it’s about football in Austria,” insisted association chief Gerhard Miletich after the victory over the Croatian. “That’s why this success is very important and confirms that our decision for Rangnik was the right one.” And defender Maximilian Wober summed it up after a short period of knowing and agreeing on the first game under Rangnik: “Everyone in Austria envisions a national team.”
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