Rangnick already preaches intensity as Austria lights up the Nations League

In the Nations League Austria beat Kosovo 3-1, with head coach Ralf Rangnick praising the team's intensity, the pressing and the game plan, recalling the phrase "Rangnick Già" that he used thirty‑five‑to‑forty years ago.

The result confirms an improvement compared to the match against Israel, where Austria was less dangerous; now the team has shown a greater ability to counter‑attack and has “made noise” for almost ninety minutes, according to the coach.

Rangnick's philosophy

Rangnick stated that in the future the Austrian national team will use only players at 100% fitness, considering it a prerequisite for his style of play. He added: "When it shows up like today, it is something completely different" and quoted his old maxim: "Who executes a counter‑attack well, wins".

The game plan neutralised the Kosovo attack, targeting especially midfielder Zhegrova and his teammates, who were unable to impose themselves.

The next two Nations League fixtures will be fiery away trips: Thursday in Dublin against Ireland and then in Kosovo, where Rangnick expects "a hot atmosphere".

The contrast between the current performance and the previous one highlights an Austrian side in full evolution, ready to bring its intensity formula to the upcoming commitments.