Rangnick Named Austrian Team Manager

RALF RANGNICK CONFIRMED AS NEW AUSTRIAN MANAGER

   Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has been confirmed as the next manager of the Austrian national team until 2024, the Austrian FA has confirmed. Rangnick had been linked with the Austrian job in the past few days and confirmed in a statement that he is accepting the position but will continue his consultancy role with Manchester United. 

   “I will take over as national team manager of Austria at the end of the season but will continue consultancy with Manchester United, “said the German in a quote from the Manchester United team site. “I’m really looking forward to playing my part in helping United become a real force again. It is an honor for me to take on the role of (Austria) manager. The prospect of contesting the European Championships in Germany with a young team hungry for success fills me with great anticipation.”

   Rangnick joined United as interim manager in November last year and will transition to an advisory position after Erik Ten Hag comes in as the new permanent manager this summer. Ten Hag was announced as the new Manchester United manager last week. Rangnick’s consultancy role at United is reported to encompass six days a month for the next two years, which will allow the German to combine the work with his duties with the Austria national team.

   News about the 63-year-old’s possible appointment broke out on Thursday evening and the Austrian FA announced his appointment in a press conference on Friday morning.

   Austrian FA President Gerhard Milletich said: “We are very pleased that in Ralf Rangnick we have been able to attract an outstanding expert in international football. We are all convinced that he is the ideal man and that his vision will advance the national team and the OFB. “

   “I am very pleased that the Presidium unanimously followed my suggestion, which was presented to me by sports director Peter Schöttel. I would like to thank Peter Schöttel for his highly professional work in the search for the team manager. Ralf Rangnick is a name that many probably didn’t even think possible. A coach of this caliber is a sign, not just for the national team, but for the entire federation. I’m convinced that it was absolutely the right decision. “

   Rangnick has signed a two-year deal with the Austrian National Team and will extend it by two additional years if Austria qualifies for Euro 2024. Rangnick’s predecessor, Franco Foda, resigned from his position earlier this month following Austria’s 2-0 defeat to Wales, which denied the team a spot at the World Cup in Qatar.

   Ralf Rangnick previously worked in Austria as the sporting director of Red Bull Salzburg.

-Maher Abucheri

Twitter: @pabloikonyero

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