Poor pitch forces Austria to rethink tactics against Kosovo in Prishtina

Austria’s 3‑1 victory over Kosovo in Wien last month showed what the side can achieve under Ralf Rangnick, yet the upcoming Nations League encounter in Prishtina will be played on a surface Rangnick likened to a farm, forcing a very different tactical approach.

Pitch described as a farm

Rangnick walked onto the Fadil‑Vokrri Stadium and immediately complained about the “Acker” – a pitch he said looks more like a field than a football ground. “I have rarely seen such an unmaintained surface,” he told reporters, adding that at this time of year a stadium should look very different. He warned the match plan will have to be “a bit different” because of the conditions.

The poor ground also explains the way Kosovo missed many chances against Ireland a week earlier, when a 1‑0 win was accompanied by a flood of shots off the target. Rangnick stressed that the issue is not Austrian‑specific; “both teams are affected,” he said, noting Kosovo’s technical quality.

Austria’s altered line‑up

Goalkeeper Alexander Schlager will replace the 2.05‑metre‑tall Florian Wiegele, who earned his second cap in Dublin. In attack, Rangnick will choose between Michael Gregoritsch and Junior Adamu, while Sasa Kalajdzic is ruled out after a 95‑minute spell in Dublin.

Midfield will likely feature Xaver Schlager and Nicolas Seiwald, with Konrad Laimer pushing for a comeback after his appearance in Ireland. Kevin Danso, suspended, and Patrick Wimmer could take their places, and all 23 squad members completed the final training session. Carney Chukwuemeka remains doubtful with a muscle issue, and Rangnick left the door open for Felix Bacher, the Olympique Lyon defender, to make his debut after praising his focus and character.

What the result could mean

Austria can secure a “big step” toward returning to the top League A if they win, becoming uncatchable in the two remaining November rounds against Kosovo. Should Ireland lose to Israel later, Austria would already be guaranteed second place, earning a promotion play‑off in March and a spot in the second pot for the Euro‑qualifying draw on 6 December in Belfast.

Rangnick admitted a win would be “important and great” for both his side and Franco Foda’s Kosovo team. Even a draw would keep Austria top of the group for the November double, but the coach stressed that avoiding defeat is the primary goal and that his side is not built to settle for a stalemate.

The match is scheduled for Sonntag at 17.20 GMT, live on ORF1, with kickoff at 18.00 GMT. It will be part of the UEFA Nations League, Group 3, fourth matchday, and offers a decisive moment in Austria’s push for promotion.

Photo credit: Armin Rauthner.