"Foolish" Austrians are in love with shock
In these November days, Austria is not a winter sports nation, but a soccer nation. The victory against the equally great and staggering rival Germany ensures collective love in the Alpine republic. And with a view to next year's European Championships, for big dreams.
Shortly after midnight, even Cupid shot his arrows in the Ernst Happel Stadium. "I love my boys. I love this team because it's just right the way it is," Ralf Rangnick confessed his affection with a tender smile on his face: "They play like friends, like a real, close-knit bunch. It was a wonderful end to the soccer year."
There were a number of reasons why the German coach of the Austrian national team fell in love with his charges on a memorable evening in Vienna during the commanding 2:0 (1:0) win over his home country. "It was certainly the best game in my time in charge over the past 18 months," Rangnick praised his team: "The boys implemented all the points we gave them. We were in control of the game at every stage."
"Strong ÖFB team humiliates Germany"
Just like Rangnick, the Austrian media were also completely smitten with their players. "Cordoba at the Happel! I'm going crazy", wrote "Österreich". For the "Krone", the second win in a row against Germany (for the first time in 92 years) was "epic, a dream". Der Standard saw the "big neighbor very small": "Bärenstarkes ÖFB-Team humiliates Germany." ORF was of the opinion that Austria "made the Germans look old".
And following the "deserved victory" in front of 46,000 enthusiastic fans, Rangnick even stoked the euphoria with a view to next year's European Championship finals in Germany with goals from Bundesliga professionals Marcel Sabitzer (29th) and Christoph Baumgartner (73rd). "We want to progress, that's clear. No matter which group we're in," said the 65-year-old Swabian full of confidence: "If we have everyone on board, we can beat any opponent. Then I'm not worried about the EURO."
Expectations too high? Rangnick waves it off
The coach is not worried that this could lead to expectations being too high. "The boys are far too intelligent and down-to-earth for that," Rangnick emphasized: "There's no one who thinks we're Real Madrid or the red-white-red ballet. We clearly come through attitude and mentality." Xaver Schlager also underlined this. "It was a great performance. But that doesn't mean anything for next year, we'll be starting from scratch again," said the RB Leipzig midfielder. SC Freiburg striker Michael Gregoritsch emphasized that "we want to play a good role" at the EURO. And Bayern Munich's Konrad Laimer emphasized that "playing for the national team is really fun at the moment."
Rangnick did not want to comment on why this has not been the case for his opponents for a long time, but the coach did drop one telling sentence: "At the end of the day, it's a team sport." And as his protégés take this motto to heart, Rangnick was also very affectionate at the end. He wished everyone "a wonderful pre-Christmas period, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year" - and smiled almost as tenderly as when he declared his love for his players.
- Ralf Rangnick, the German coach of the Austrian national soccer team, expressed his admiration for his players after their commanding 2:0 win over Germany in Vienna during the European Football Championship qualifiers, calling it the best game under his management in the past 18 months.
- Following the victory, Rangnick fueled the euphoria by discussing Austria's aspirations for the European Championships in Germany in 2024, with Bundesliga professionals Marcel Sabitzer and Christoph Baumgartner scoring the goals.
- Rangnick was not concerned about the potential rise in expectations after the victories, stating that his players are intelligent and grounded, and there is no misconception that Austria is comparable to Real Madrid or the red-white-red ballet.
- Austria, currently regarded as a strong soccer nation, will participate in the European Championships in Europe in 2024, aiming for a strong role and showcasing their team spirit, as exemplified by their players' gratitude and enjoyment of playing for their national team.
Source: www.ntv.de
