Austria is preparing for its World Cup debut against Jordan on 17 June, with the certainty that Ralf Rangnick will be focused solely and exclusively on the campaign in the United States, having signed a contract extension with the Austrian Football Federation until 2028.
The German executive/coach, currently head coach of the European national team, made this decision after being courted for several weeks by Milan, which had approached him to take on the role of technical director.
Speaking at a press conference today, Rangnick not only discussed his decision to renew with Austria, but also explained why negotiations with the Rossoneri club ultimately failed. Below are the statements of the Austrian national team coach, as reported by Sport Krone:
“I said from the very beginning that the renewal was a decision based on principle, influenced by many factors. Among these was also the question of which members of my coaching staff would remain available. That is why I can now sit here and say with great satisfaction: it is the right decision to remain in charge after the World Cup.”
Rangnick on AC Milan:
"Three weeks ago there was an initial contact and discussions took place. I made it clear from the outset that I wanted clarity before the start of the World Cup, for myself, for the team, for the country, for the Austrian Football Federation, and for my players. This was communicated clearly from the beginning, but there was still no clarity on Milan’s side."
