2024-11-17 20:45:00
Austria’s football team boss Ralf Rangnick renewed his criticism of the impending termination of ÖFB managing director Bernhard Neuhold on Sunday after the 1-1 home draw in the Nations League against Slovenia. ÖFB President Klaus Mitterdorfer didn’t come off well again. Since a presidium meeting at the end of August, in which Rangnick also took part, he has had “no relationship at all” with the head of the association, said the German.
Rangnick explained that he was surprised that Mitterdorfer had recently spoken of a “good and trusting relationship”. Since the said executive board meeting there has been “zero contact” with the ÖFB boss.
Mitterdorfer also said that he understood the support of Rangnick and the team players for Neuhold because there was a close friendship. In this context, the team boss pointed out his successes with Hoffenheim, Leipzig and Salzburg. “Does anyone seriously believe that this would have been possible if I had practiced nepotism? For us, the performance principle counts. Neuhold is doing a really good job. If he can’t or isn’t allowed to stay, a better replacement has to be found, and I don’t see an equivalent replacement anywhere .”
Any change must be made with the aim of having at least equally good or better working conditions, Rangnick continued. Concerns that he will quit his job due to Neuhold’s impending departure are misplaced. “No one would believe that I turned down two concrete offers on May 1st and chose Austria, that I’m thinking about giving up the whole thing because of something like that. No one would understand that, and the connection to the team is, too extraordinary for the staff and also for the country of Austria.”
That’s why he “certainly won’t” think about saying goodbye to the ÖFB, emphasized Rangnick. “But that doesn’t mean we say yes and amen to everything that happens.”
There will be an extraordinary executive board meeting in Vienna on Friday, in which Mitterdorfer will probably announce the resignation of Neuhold and ÖFB general secretary Thomas Hollerer and may also want to bring in a new association CEO. Under the new strong leadership personality, a sports director and a business director are planned; the current sports director Peter Schöttel and Hollerer are considered candidates for these two positions. “In reality, the ÖFB needs three new managers, and relatively quickly,” said Rangnick.
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How does Ralf Rangnick believe improved communication and leadership could impact the future success of Austria’s football team?
**Interview with Ralf Rangnick: Austria’s Football Team Boss Discusses Leadership and Future**
**Editor**: Good evening, Ralf. After the recent 1-1 draw against Slovenia, you have expressed strong opinions regarding the situation with ÖFB managing director Bernhard Neuhold. What specifically led to your dissatisfaction with ÖFB President Klaus Mitterdorfer’s comments about a “good and trusting relationship”?
**Ralf Rangnick**: Good evening. Quite frankly, I find it quite surprising that President Mitterdorfer would label our relationship as “good” when, in reality, there has been no communication whatsoever since our presidium meeting back in August. It’s disheartening to see such a disconnect – it undermines the team’s unity and leadership.
**Editor**: You mentioned in previous statements that there’s been “zero contact” with Mitterdorfer since that meeting. How does this lack of communication affect your role as head coach and the team overall?
**Ralf Rangnick**: It certainly complicates matters. As the head coach, it’s imperative to have a clear line of communication with the association’s leadership. When there’s no dialogue, it hampers our ability to work cohesively towards our goals. The ambiguity creates uncertainty, not just for me, but for the players as well.
**Editor**: You’ve also indicated your support for Bernhard Neuhold amidst discussions of his potential termination. Why do you feel it’s important to voice this support at this time?
**Ralf Rangnick**: I believe in the importance of stability within our organization. Neuhold has been integral in supporting our vision and creating a positive environment for the team. Terminating his position, especially amidst ongoing uncertainties, could disrupt our progress significantly. It’s crucial that we stand together as a team in these challenging times.
**Editor**: What do you envision moving forward in terms of leadership and team dynamics? Do you think changes at the top are necessary for the team’s success?
**Ralf Rangnick**: I think transparency and communication must improve if we are to move forward positively. Leadership that fosters trust and open dialogue is essential for our success. If that means re-evaluating the top positions to ensure effective collaboration, then I’m open to those discussions. Ultimately, it’s about creating an environment where both the coaching staff and players feel supported and focused on achieving our collective goals.
**Editor**: Thank you for sharing your insights, Ralf. We hope for a resolution that supports both you and the team as you move forward.
**Ralf Rangnick**: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a positive change.
