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This article is part of the Guardian Euro 2024 Expert Network, a collaboration between some of the best media organizations from the 24 countries that made the cut. theguardian.com previews two countries each day in the run-up to the tournament, which starts on June 14.
Perspectives
It was all too good to be true: Austria impressed in qualifying, securing second place in their group behind Belgium, as well as a friendly win over Germany. Then they suddenly suffered more body blows than a fighter in a heavyweight title fight: their mascot, David Alaba, suffered a serious injury; coach Ralf Rangnick has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich and key midfielder Xaver Schlager has been ruled out of the tournament.
Now what? Alaba is certain to miss out, but Rangnick remains committed to Austria – and has included the Real Madrid defender as non-playing captain for the tournament. “I spoke to David a lot; he really wanted to be part of the team,” Rangnick said. It may turn out to be a good decision, but the pre-tournament euphoria has somewhat worn off in Austria.
There is still hope for a strong run despite the setbacks and tough tie. Good spirit and some unpredictability could take this side far. With Austria, Rangnick changed his preferred 4-4-2 formation and relied mainly on 4-2-3-1. His signature strategies, as before, are high pressing, quick transitions and intense running. He applied his thinking during his years in Salzburg and Leipzig and it became known as the Red Bull philosophy.
However, Rangnik himself does not call it that. “As far as I’m concerned, there’s no such thing as Red Bull football,” he says. “It has always been clear that we play a style of football aimed at controlling the game, whether we or the opposition have the ball. This can only be achieved with a clear plan.”
High and precise demands are placed on each player, everyone knows what they have to do, but the coach also wants the players to take responsibility. “A good coach brings his vision of football into the minds and hearts of the players,” he said.
How the team handles expectations will be key this summer. A good performance wouldn’t be a surprise, but how far it will take them is a big unknown.