Austria stars have leapt to the defence of Ralf Rangnick and his training methods after he started work with the nation this week.
The former RB Leipzig head coach was announced as the new manager of the Austrian national team last month, with the original intention to fulfil the role alongside his part-time consultancy assignment at Manchester United. However, it was recently announced that Rangnick would be leaving Old Trafford in all capacities with Erik ten Hag assuming control of first-team matters this summer.
A statement read: “We would like to thank Ralf Rangnick for his efforts as interim manager over the past six months. By mutual agreement, Ralf will now focus solely on his new role as manager of the Austria national team and will not therefore be taking up a consultancy role at Old Trafford. We would like to wish Ralf the best of luck in this next chapter of his career.”
The confirmation brought to an end an underwhelming spell for Rangnick with the Red Devils during which he failed to assemble a viable challenge for a Champions League place. The season was also the club's worst in the Premier League from a points perspective.
Away from the pitch, Rangnick's methods called into question with reports claiming the United squad felt standards in training had regressed hugely under the German. However, that does not appear to be the case on the national team front, with a number of Rangnick's new players praising him after only a few sessions.
Stuttgart forward Sasa Kalajdzic has already opened up on what it is like working under his new boss. Speaking with Spox, he said: “It was very intense.
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“It was said that the first training session would be like getting in. I’m already excited to see what’s on tomorrow’s training program. The philosophy is to play intensively and offensively.”
Meanwhile, Hoffenheim midfielder Christoph Baumgartner praised Rangnick’s "clear" philosophy. He said: “Most recently he has trained one of the biggest clubs in the world. You noticed right away how professional, structured and clear the idea is – even off the pitch, what works and what doesn’t. It’s very exciting and each and every one of us could see that something positive was coming our way.”
He continued: “Everyone was full of praise and said that it can sometimes be tough because he addresses things that don’t fit directly and honestly. I think that’s very good because at the end of the day that’s what we do [to] progress.”
Rangnick will hope to see his work on training pitches bear fruit in matches. Austria kick off their Nations League campaign against Croatia on Friday night before hosting Denmark.
They then face a tricky challenge against reigning world champions France before a return clash with the Danes in mid-June.
