Rangnick warns Austria of field woes ahead of Kosovo clash

At a press conference in Vienna, Ralf Rangnick – the ÖFB-Teamchef – lamented the condition of the pitch in Pristina, calling it an “Acker“ ÖFB-Teamchef Rangnick”. The Austrian side will travel on Sonntag to face Kosovo, hoping for a third Nations League win.

Pitch condition sparks concerns

The problem, Rangnick explained, is the grass at the Fadil‑Vokrri Stadion in Pristina. He said the surface resembles a meadow more than a football field, describing it as a true “field” rather than a maintained pitch. The Austrian Team learned this after Saturday’s briefing. The opponent, led by coach Franco Foda, will also have to adapt to the same conditions.

Midfielder Patrick Wimmer echoed the sentiment, noting, “I haven’t played on such a meadow for a long time. I grew up on a Platz like this, it’s nice to watch on a Sunday afternoon in the Kreisliga, but not when you have to play on it yourself.”

Rangnick insisted he will not lodge formal complaints, stressing that the issue affects both sides. “Kosovo is a technically good team that prefers well‑kept football,” he said, adding that the match will now hinge on which side copes better with the conditions.

He also reflected on Kosovo’s 1‑0 victory over Ireland a week earlier, where many chances were squandered. “Why so many shots missed now makes sense to me,” Rangnick remarked, indicating the poor pitch may have contributed.

Consequently, Austria must sharpen its focus on Sonntag, adapting tactics to the uneven ground. The outcome will test the team’s resilience and could influence their standing in the Nations League.