Rangnick's World Cup criticism sparks a fresh Austrian squad

Ahead of the Nations League, Austria’s head coach Ralf Rangnick reflected on the team’s disappointing World Cup, lamenting a shortage of top‑level players, before unveiling a revamped squad that promises more fitness and fresh talent for upcoming matches.

Rangnick told the media, “Wir hatten zu wenig Spieler, die auf absolutem Topniveau gespielt haben,” adding that “Es gab zu viele Spieler, die weit von ihrem Leistungsvermögen weg waren.” He also said the team had gone “ins Gericht” with his own analysis, stressing that eight players were not match‑fit and that a lack of fitness was the main culprit.

Data shows Austria fell to lower ranks

In his Monday “Erzählung” and “Analyse”, the ÖFB‑Teamchef highlighted the “Ansatz” that Austria’s “Gruppe” was the toughest of the whole Fußball‑WM, according to the Datenanbieter Opta. He noted that while Austria ranked in the top three for sprints and counter‑situations at EURO 2024, the World Cup placed the side between rank 25 and 30 in those same parameters.

Rangnick also pointed to injuries that hampered the campaign. He explained that the pre‑tournament loss of Christoph Baumgartner forced a cautious approach, and he recalled Xaver Schlager’s unexpected dip, saying the midfielder told him at half‑time against Algeria that he “must leave”. Such issues, despite close work with the medical department, were “einfach nicht vorhersehbar”.

New squad marks a fresh start

The first Kader after the World Cup, described by Rangnick as bringing “frischen Wind”, is the first since Marko Arnautović’s retirement and the first after confirming that Marcel Sabitzer will not be available this year. Nine new players have joined the selection, signalling a decisive shift toward a fitter “Mannschaft”.

Among the newcomers, 18‑year‑old midfielder Vasilije Markovic has broken through at Austria and attracted the coach’s attention, despite the possibility of representing Serbien. Central defender Felix Bacher, 25, arrived from Estoril Praia to Lyon and now joins a broad interior‑defence pool, having previously only featured in youth sides.

David Alaba remains without a club and was omitted from the squad, a decision Rangnick justified by the need for “match‑fit” players who can thrive when “es muss wieder scheppern” on the training ground.

Looking ahead, Austria will face Israel, Ireland and Kosovo in the Nations League. Rangnick insists the team must “go all in”, with a “bang” both on the pitch and in training, hoping the new Kader will deliver the intensity that was missing at the World Cup.