Ralf Rangnick, the national coach of Austria, faces uncertainty as rumors of his potential departure grow. While tensions rise within Austrian football and his leadership comes under scrutiny, top German clubs like Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Munich may be considering him for future roles. Despite mixed sentiments about his coaching style, Rangnick remains pivotal to Austria’s aspirations, particularly in qualifying for the World Cup, amidst calls for fresh ideas and improved performance.
What Lies Ahead for Ralf Rangnick? The national coach of Austria is currently navigating turbulent waters. The prospect of a potential exit from his role is becoming more plausible. Additionally, rumors suggest that Germany’s top teams are contemplating their interest in the seasoned coach.
In the realm of Austrian football, tensions are rising. The joyful memories of the national team’s performance alongside coach Ralf Rangnick during last summer’s European Championship in Germany have faded. A dramatic shift in momentum has left Rangnick facing significant challenges. Interim president Wolfgang Bartosch has expressed concerns, describing Rangnick’s approach as ‘unpredictable’ and questioning his ability to lead the team effectively.
Will this once thriving partnership dissolve into a contentious breakup? The future is uncertain. However, whispers in the football community suggest that both Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Munich might be eyeing Rangnick as a potential addition to their ranks. Reports indicate that BVB is expected to reach out to him in January, although there have been no concrete developments from those discussions. Rangnick’s representatives have clarified that their conversations have focused more on the player market than on formal commitments. The situation in Munich remains equally ambiguous; according to the magazine ‘Profil,’ discussions may revolve around a strategic role akin to that of Jürgen Klopp within the Red Bull framework.
Potential Roles at Borussia Dortmund
‘He has accomplished a great deal in football, brings immense passion, and has held various positions,’ stated Bayern’s sports director Christoph Freund. The sports management structure at FC Bayern is predominantly led by Max Eberl and Freund himself. Whether Rangnick’s name is currently being discussed at Bayern or Dortmund is still unclear. As per ‘Sport Bild,’ Rangnick might be in negotiations with Borussia Dortmund for a summer position, possibly as sports director. Prior to BVB hiring coach Niko Kovac, Rangnick was also mentioned as a potential coaching candidate.
In Munich, honorary president Uli Hoeneß is reportedly excited about the idea of bringing Rangnick on board. His responsibilities could encompass enhancing the youth academy and scouting operations. The notion of involving the football strategist has been on the table for some time now; Rangnick was a leading candidate during the search for Thomas Tuchel’s successor but ultimately opted to remain in Austria.
Shifting Perspectives on Rangnick’s Leadership
However, the atmosphere surrounding Rangnick appears to have soured, as various reports indicate. An insider suggests a desire to part ways with him. Nonetheless, interim president Bartosch seems to have a different perspective, stating in an ORF interview, ‘Rangnick is essential to our plans. We aim to qualify for the World Cup and need to unite our efforts towards that goal.’ He also acknowledged previous comments, mentioning, ‘Rangnick can be challenging. I strive to maintain our communication, but he often makes unexpected choices.’
Niederösterreich’s state chief, Johann Gartner, has been candid about his views: ‘Realistically, we are no further along with Rangnick than we were under former coach Franco Foda. His playing style has become predictable. We need more goals and better results. My expectation is for the team coach to bring in fresh ideas. Past successes have hidden many issues, but the tide has turned.’