Rangnick aims to keep Austria fresh for Israel clash in Linz

Ralf Rangnick’s Austria side will meet Israel in a Nations League clash at Linz’s new stadium on Thursday at 20.45, exactly twelve weeks after the team’s round‑of‑16 exit at the World Cup. The coach insists the squad has shed any lingering disappointment and is ready to start the post‑World Cup campaign on a fresh note.

Fresh faces and leadership shift

The contrast with the painful Euro 2024 elimination by Turkey is stark; that setback lingered into the Nations League, evident in the 1‑1 draw with Slovenia and the 1‑2 loss to Norway in September. Those results showed the Austrian side had not yet digested the disappointment, a fact some players later admitted.

Rangnick has introduced nine newcomers compared with the World Cup squad, creating a fresh wind that he believes will lift the whole group. He is confident the lack of focus will not affect the performance against Israel, describing the situation as a completely different Art from two years ago.

From the 17 World Cup‑qualified players still available, eleven are expected to start. Michael Gregoritsch, now with Augsburg, will captain the side in his 79th appearance, having scored 24 goals for the national Team. "Gregerl has the most caps and is predestined as a personality," Rangnick said, adding that modern football requires many leaders to share responsibility.

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Goalkeeper Alexander Schlager will guard the net, retaining the trust of the coach despite currently being a reserve at Bremen. In midfield and attack, legionnaires such as Florian Wiegele and David Affengruber will also be given opportunities, adding depth to the line‑up.

Israeli opponents and tactical outlook

Israel’s top scorer Eran Zahavi, who netted six goals in their last four meetings, has retired. Former Salzburg youngster Oscar Gloukh now plays for Ajax Amsterdam, while Tai Baribo, who tallied 37 goals in 73 matches for Wolfsberger AC, is plying his trade with D.C. United in the MLS. On the flanks, Anan Khalaili of Crystal Palace arrives from the right and Manor Solomon of West Ham from the left.

In the 2026 World Cup qualification Austria finished third behind Norway and Italy, suffering a 0‑5 defeat against a Haaland‑led side. Rangnick now wants the team to revert to aggressive pressing and rapid transitions. Maximilian Wöber believes the Israelis “have players with quality on the ball, who like to play, and our pressing is the right antidote.” Rangnick expects Israel to build from the back, combine well and keep possession – a profile his pressing‑oriented side relishes.

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Israel’s observance of Yom Kippur on Sunday and Monday meant its six USA‑based players could only arrive on Tuesday, leaving them jet‑lagged. Austria, however, enjoys a perfect record at the Linz venue – five wins and one draw in six matches – and Rangnick is keen to extend that series while focusing on the way the team plays.