Three intense seasons see Sabitzer pause his national team duties

The 32-year-old Borussia Dortmund star Marcel Sabitzer has announced that after three intense seasons he will take a break from the Austrian national team, as he will no longer be available after the World Cup. The midfielder emphasizes that he must use his energy carefully, because the high intensity of the past years has heavily taxed him.

Intensive match load explains break

Sabitzer took part with Austria at the World Cup and, since Euro 2024, has been in continuous action for practically three seasons due to the club World Cup and the FIFA World Cup. In a statement with the ÖFB he explained that he is now taking a break from the national team because the intensity is too high. He cites the high intensity as the reason.

"The past two years have been very intense. Since Euro 2024 I have, due to the club World Cup and the FIFA World Cup, practically played three seasons," said Sabitzer. He added that this season he has a tight schedule with the Bundesliga, the DFB Cup and the Champions League.

"I am 32 years old, want to play at the highest level for a few more years and must manage my energy carefully," emphasized the midfielder. Therefore he has agreed with head coach Ralf Rangnick that he will now take a break and will discuss a return for the Euro qualification at the beginning of next year.

For the Austrian national team Rangnick will have to do without the 32-year-old midfielder. The squad thus loses a key player. "Marcel and I have already spoken very openly about the future before the World Cup and I fully understand his considerations," he said.

The ÖFB recently dismissed its sporting director and still has two matches each this year against Israel, Kosovo and Ireland. Rangnick will announce the squad on tomorrow's Monday.