Rangnick praises Austria's Nations League performance despite limited time

At the Prishtina Stadium, where the match against Kosovo on Sunday ended 1‑1, Austrian FA team manager Ralf Rangnick seemed completely satisfied despite the draw. After the first window of the UEFA Nations League, which was extended to four games, he drew a positive interim assessment and emphasized that the Austrians, as unbeaten league leaders, are heading into the final double‑header.

Positive Assessment and Open Tasks

Rangnick explained that eight points from four matches were “absolutely fine” because the away games in Dublin and Prishtina had been especially difficult. He highlighted that the team had made up deficits in both games, which is a sign of the squad’s energy.

Although key scorers such as Marko Arnautović, Marcel Sabitzer and the injured Christoph Baumgartner were unavailable, the side scored nine goals in the four matches, coming from nine different players. Rangnick praised the many players called up for the first time, who confirmed their invitation and had shown good performances.

Goalkeeper and Squad Perspectives

In goal, alongside World Cup goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, debutant Christian Zawieschitzky and the 2.05‑metre‑tall Florian Wiegele were also used. Rangnick described the goalkeeper situation as “completely open at the moment”, but stressed that he was satisfied with the current options. For November he plans to give U21 goalkeeper Lukas Jungwirth of LASK a possible debut.

Captain David Alaba and the forward Baumgartner, who was injured shortly before the World Cup, could also return in November. Rangnick expressed hope that Alaba would settle well at his new club Udinese and that Baumgartner would resume training after one to two weeks.

Outlook for the Final Stage

A home win on 14 November in Linz against Ireland would already secure the group victory and promotion to League A ahead of schedule. Rangnick warned, however, that he had not yet seen an easy opponent; both Ireland and Israel are strong teams that would not provide easy opposition in the remaining matches. The next match against Ireland takes place on 14 November in Linz, the final duel against Israel follows on 17 November in Debrecen.