Slip-up Who – Rangnick to pave the way for Austria's national team in Linz

On Thursday at 20:45, the Austrian national team in Linz will kick off against Israel in the Nations League. Four matches within ten days are intended to chart the path for the national team's future, while Ralf Rangnick will announce the squad's further development in the autumn.

The match marks the start of an intense spell of games that will decide the qualification chances for the upcoming European Championship. Rangnick emphasized that there is no reason for a “hangover” this time, setting a clear tone for the tasks ahead.

New Nations League format and qualification goal

The top two of the four‑team group qualify for the second pot for Euro qualification. At the same time, the Nations League format will be changed in the next edition from four to three leagues, with six‑team groups to be used in the future. Winners of the League B groups will be promoted to League A, while runners‑up will contest a play‑off for promotion.

Israel, which lost twice to Norway and Italy in the last World Cup qualification, managed victories against Estonia and Moldova. Rangnick described the Israeli side as “a team that likes to have the ball and looks for creative solutions”, with the attack centred around former Salzburg player Oscar Gloukh.

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Squad overhaul and young talents

Ahead of the first match, Rangnick has only two genuine training sessions available; the public training on Monday is more of a show than a learning opportunity. Linz has become the new venue instead of Los Angeles, and the integration of newcomers such as the 18‑year‑old Vasilije Markovic will be crucial – four appearances could secure him a permanent contract with the Austrian FA, while FIFA rules still allow a later switch to the Serbian association.

The first four former captains – David Alaba, Marko Arnautović, Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer – are absent. Michael Gregoritsch will wear the captain’s armband for the match against Israel, while Rangnick demands responsibility from all players, especially in attack without Sabitzer.

Midfield weakness and fitness focus

The defensive midfield, once Rangnick’s showcase, proved to be a weak point at the World Cup. Xaver Schlager spoke of a “dent” after Nicolas Seiwald was substituted at halftime in the match against Spain. Schlager has since found form again at Nottingham Forest, while Seiwald is battling at Leipzig under Martin Demichelis.

Rangnick stressed that there must be a “clash” again, highlighting the importance of fitness for duels and taking on challenges. The focus now turns to the four matches in ten days, which will decide the further direction of the Austrian FA team.