It was a clear statement that ÖFB team boss Ralf Rangnick made before the Austrian national football team left for the Nations League game against Kazakhstan. The coach talked about:
…the conversations with President Klaus Mitterdorfer about his commitment to the ÖFB and the rejection of FC Bayern: “I read in a newspaper that I should declare myself. That’s why I would like to make it clear what happened in May after my commitment to the ÖFB: In my opinion, extending my contract and expanding my competence was never an issue, nor was it necessary. It was When I decided to stay and turn down two offers, it had nothing to do with these issues. It was also not an issue between me and the ÖFB in several interviews “There were no discussions about this in the following five months. I just want to record it. I’m not disappointed, sad or angry.”
… his participation in an ÖFB executive board meeting ten weeks ago: “I once took part in a presidium meeting at the express request of ÖFB President Klaus Mitterdorfer. In hindsight, I would have preferred not to have been there.”
… about his personal future with or without the national team: “I was brought up like this as a child: the principle of performance is above all else. Without taking part in the European Championships, I wouldn’t have been the Austrian team boss for a year, the same applies to the World Cup. If we don’t qualify for the World Cup, I’m out of the game no matter how long my contract still has at that point.”
… the solidarity of the team boss and team towards the terminated ÖFB managing director Bernhard Neuhold: “It’s not about whether we find someone nice or likeable. It’s about having the best possible working conditions. I speak for the team. Cutting Bernhard Neuhold overnight doesn’t work without damaging the team. He’s ours First point of contact for the coach, coaching staff and team. If you decide against him, then an equivalent or even better replacement must be there on the same day.”
… the character of the team: “Our slogan on the tracksuit at the European Championships was: ‘We show our faces.’ That wasn’t just an advertising slogan. That’s how we think too. You can’t play us for stupid and think we’re stupid. The boys are too smart for that, and they are We’re too smart too. We show our face. That’s how we develop the team and that’s how we deal with it.
ePaper
Author
Harald Bartl
Deputy Head of Sports Department
Harald Bartl
**Interview with Ralf Rangnick, ÖFB Team Boss**
**Interviewer:** Ralf, you recently made a firm statement about your commitment to the ÖFB and your decision to turn down offers from FC Bayern. Can you elaborate on that?
**Ralf Rangnick:** Certainly. There seems to be a misunderstanding. After my commitment to the ÖFB, I read in the media that I needed to clarify my position. I want to emphasize that extending my contract or expanding my role was never discussed. My decision to stay was based solely on my desire to lead the national team, and I want to make it clear that I am neither disappointed nor angry about the situation.
**Interviewer:** You also mentioned participating in an ÖFB executive board meeting at the request of President Klaus Mitterdorfer. Would you say that was beneficial?
**Ralf Rangnick:** In hindsight, I would prefer not to have taken part in that meeting. My focus is on the football side of things, and such meetings can often distract from our primary goal, which is preparing the team to perform.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of performance, you’ve expressed that your future with the national team hinges on the team’s success. Can you expand on that?
**Ralf Rangnick:** Absolutely. For me, performance is paramount. If we don’t qualify for the European Championships or the World Cup, my tenure as team boss is naturally over, regardless of the length of my contract. My commitment to performance is ingrained in my values since childhood.
**Interviewer:** There’s been a lot of talk regarding the departure of ÖFB managing director Bernhard Neuhold. What’s your stance on that?
**Ralf Rangnick:** It’s not about personal feelings; it’s about working conditions. The team needs stability. Bernhard has been our first point of contact, and letting him go without an equivalent replacement would be detrimental. The management of the team needs to be solid, and this requires collective support.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how would you describe the character of the national team?
**Ralf Rangnick:** Our motto during the European Championships was “We show our faces.” This reflects our mentality. The team is intelligent and aware. We cannot be underestimated, and we’re committed to developing together. Transparency and courage are key as we move forward.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ralf, for your insights. We wish you and the team the best of luck in your upcoming matches.
**Ralf Rangnick:** Thank you!