Rio Ferdinand acknowledges that, following their successes at Euro 2024 under former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick, he is “looking at Austria with envy.”
Austria has been one of the surprise teams of the Euros thus far, defeating Poland 3-1 after just nearly losing to France in their initial match.
If they manage a draw or better against the Netherlands on Tuesday night, they will undoubtedly qualify for the knockout stages. Should things go their way, they may even surprise everyone by winning Group D, sometimes known as the Group of Death.
Austria’s lack of elite players is highlighted by the absence of its captain and best player, David Alaba, from the competition due to injury.
Additionally, Rangnick is the team’s coach. Rangnick is most recognized to English fans from his disastrous six months as United’s interim manager, during which he won just 11 of his 29 games before being fired by Cristiano Ronaldo.
The German, who is respected but more known for his skills as a sports director than a manager, was supposed to start working as a consultant at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 before receiving an opportunity to join Austria.
However, he has done wonders for the national team. Ferdinand, a veteran of United, was impressed with the club’s style of play and hoped that Gareth Southgate’s England would produce similar results.
“Ralf Rangnick, are you aware of his actions regarding Austria?” The former Three Lions defender said, “Wow, wow, wow,” on the Five podcast.
“We were laughing and making fun of [former England goalkeeper] David James when he told us Austria would be his dark horses.” I said, “What are you chatting about?” and gave him the cane.
They’re playing excellent football, but they won’t win it. The main thing that strikes me is that they appear to be a well-trained squad.
That’s all I’m requesting. a team that exudes confidence and appears to be well-coached both while in and out of possession.
Together, they attack, sprint off the ball, out of possession they defend. They maintain control away from the ball.
Please, just the essentials, dude. Why am I feeling envious of Austria?
Due to Austria’s outstanding performance in the qualifications and Euro preparation, Rangnick was approached by Bayern Munich to take Thomas Tuchel’s position, but the Bundesliga powerhouse rejected him.
If Austria places third in Group D and advances to the knockout stages, as predicted, they may face England in the round of sixteen if the Three Lions win Group C and play Slovenia on Tuesday night.