2024-11-13 12:57:00
In the wake of the differences that have been simmering for weeks surrounding the structural reform of the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB), Ralf Rangnick took a clear stance on Wednesday. The ÖFB team boss emphasized that there had not yet been any discussions regarding a contract extension, announced his resignation in the event of failure in the World Cup qualification and once again spoke out in favor of Bernhard Neuhold. “You can’t just take us for fools,” he concluded.
ÖFB President Klaus Mitterdorfer did not want to comment on Rangnick’s statements when asked by the APA. But it seems clear that the once intimate relationship between the German team boss and the ÖFB leadership has been permanently disrupted. On May 1st, the 66-year-old decided against an offer from Bayern Munich and a second club and in favor of remaining as the red-white-red team boss. Afterwards and at the beginning of November, Mitterdorfer announced that he would hold talks to keep the successful coach for the current contract period. Rangnick’s contract runs until the end of the 2025 World Cup qualification and, if the qualification is successful, until the summer of 2026.
There have been no discussions about this yet, explained Rangnick on Wednesday at a press conference before departure for the Nations League game in Kazakhstan. “It is time to clarify a few things, calmly, objectively, but also very clearly,” he began his statement on several topics.
“First topic: contract extension and expansion of competences. This topic has never been a topic of conversation at any time in the last few months, neither from my side – in my opinion not at all necessary – nor was it discussed in any form. When I met on May 1st When I decided to stay in Austria and turn down two other offers, it had absolutely nothing to do with it. It wasn’t a topic of conversation between me and anyone from the ÖFB and it wasn’t announced to me either in several “I just want to record that, not because I might be disappointed about it, in any way.”
The German, who was presented as ÖFB team boss in April 2022, tied and ties his commitment to sporting criteria. “The performance principle is above all else. If we hadn’t qualified for the European Championships, I wouldn’t have been Austria’s team boss for a year, completely independent of contract terms. The same applies to the World Cup: If we didn’t qualify for the World Cup (2026), I will no longer be team boss one day later, regardless of whether I still have a contract or not,” he clarified.
His participation in a presidium meeting at the end of August, which he said was at the express request of the president, among others, “in retrospect, I would much rather not have been there,” said Rangnick, before commenting on Neuhold’s personnel . On October 18th, the separation was decided by the managing director of ÖFB-Wirtschaftsbetriebe, although Rangnick and the team had spoken out in favor of their close contact remaining.
“In this area it’s not about whether I or whoever finds someone nice or likeable, it’s all about ensuring that we have the best possible professional working conditions for the players. Cutting Neuhold overnight without a replacement doesn’t work without that “The national team is damaged. Because he is the first point of contact for all issues that we have. If you decide that Bernhard Neuhold is no longer there, then there must be an equal or better replacement for him on the same day,” explained Rangnick.
The fact that he and the team spoke out in favor of Neuhold was not well received everywhere and also brought criticism. Rangnick defended the approach. “During the EURO, we had it written on the back of our tracksuit: ‘We’re showing our faces’. That wasn’t just a publicity stunt. That’s how we act, that’s how we think too. You can’t just play us for a fool and think we’re stupid. That’s what we’re all about “The boys are too smart, we’re too smart for that,” Rangnick concluded his statement.
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**Interview with Ralf Rangnick: A Clear Stance on Future Direction of ÖFB**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Ralf. You’ve recently made strong statements regarding your position with the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB). Can you summarize your current relationship with ÖFB leadership?
**Ralf Rangnick:** Thank you for having me. It’s no secret that my relationship with the ÖFB leadership, particularly with President Klaus Mitterdorfer, has been strained. I feel it is essential for any team to have clarity and strong communication, and currently, that’s lacking.
**Interviewer:** You emphasized that there haven’t been any discussions about a contract extension. What are your thoughts on the importance of this issue?
**Ralf Rangnick:** It’s crucial for me to clarify that my commitment has always been based on performance. There have been no discussions about extending my contract, which runs through the 2025 World Cup qualification, nor do I feel any need to bring that up at this time. My focus is solely on the success of the team and ensuring we qualify for tournaments.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that you would resign if the team fails to qualify for the World Cup. Can you elaborate on this?
**Ralf Rangnick:** Absolutely. My position as team boss is tied to our performance on the field. If we do not qualify, I don’t believe there’s a place for me to continue. The performance principle is above all else in football, and I stand by that.
**Interviewer:** You also expressed support for Bernhard Neuhold amidst these discussions. Why is that?
**Ralf Rangnick:** Bernhard has been instrumental, and I firmly believe we need strong leadership and support systems within the organization. It’s vital we choose individuals who truly understand football and are committed to its development in Austria.
**Interviewer:** What’s your main message to the ÖFB and the public regarding the future?
**Ralf Rangnick:** My main message is straightforward: We need to approach these issues calmly, objectively, and clearly. I will not accept any treatment that undermines my dedication and commitment to this team. We are here to achieve success, not to be taken for fools.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Ralf. Best of luck in the upcoming Nations League game.
**Ralf Rangnick:** Thank you. We’re focused on the match, and I’m hopeful for the best outcome.
