Rangnick after World Cup exit against Spain: "If only, if only, bicycle chain"

Injuries and setbacks shape the tournament

Already in the group stage, the Austrians had lost 0:2 to world champions Argentina. A third place would no longer have been enough with another defeat at the end. Only the dramatic 3:3 draw against Algeria secured advancement. "It's clear that we had to overcome some obstacles," said Rangnick, describing the tournament as "emotional."

Against Spain, the team was also plagued by injury misfortune. Full-back Phillipp Mwene dropped out the day before the match, playmaker Christoph Baumgartner had already suffered a serious thigh injury during the warm-up for the World Cup dress rehearsal and will be out for months. "I would rather have given him another day off, but to foresee that, you'd have to be a clairvoyant," said Rangnick about Baumgartner.

Spain's performance impresses the ÖFB coach

Defender Stefan Posch also played with a special protective mask despite a fractured jaw. The absence of several regulars had noticeably thinned out the squad, Rangnick emphasized. "Of course we also have to look at how we can best compensate for that," he said.

The Spaniards' performance impressed the ÖFB coach despite the defeat. "But you also have to acknowledge that we came up against an opponent who is in a class of their own," said Rangnick. Spain in possession was "a flawless timepiece," and the Iberians had delivered "by far their best performance in this tournament" against Austria. "If they play like that, no matter against whom, someone first has to beat Spain," said Rangnick.

Above all, Spain's midfield anchor Rodri thrilled the ÖFB team manager. "A performance like that from a player in that position – I've never experienced that live before," said Rangnick. Nevertheless, Lamine Yamal was named man of the match. Spain's counter-pressing was "at a very high level."

The Austrians had nevertheless pushed the Spaniards over long stretches. "We were able to stop him pretty well again and again, but of course it can't last for 90 minutes," said Rangnick. "If we had come up against an opponent in the round of 32 who had been in our range, we could have made it two more rounds," said the 68-year-old.

Goal: regular participation in major tournaments

Looking to the future, Rangnick formulated clear goals. "The goal must be that Austria now regularly participates in European and World Championships. That has not been the case in the past." That applies to Euro 2028 in Great Britain and Ireland as well as to the next World Cup, which takes place in four years primarily in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. "Hoping for 'unforced errors' there, to put it in tennis terms, doesn't make sense," he said.

For the upcoming tasks, Rangnick sees the team in a transitional phase. "I don't know whether we need a rebuild," he said. The average age of the World Cup squad was relatively high at over 28. ÖFB captain David Alaba would be 36 at the next tournament, while Konrad Laimer, Sasa Kalajdzic or Xaver Schlager would already be over 30 at Euro 2028. "There are certain players who are in the very best age," said Rangnick.

Question marks up front

Up front, the team manager sees a need for rejuvenation. "It wouldn't be wrong if there were rejuvenation options in attack," he said. "I just don't see them at the moment." If no player with Austrian roots surfaces in the next two years who hasn't been known before, Kalajdzic – who hopefully stays healthy – and Michael Gregoritsch are the strikers at his disposal in the central position.

At the same time, Rangnick looked ahead to the upcoming international match dates. "And of course, we also want to try to get back up to League A in the Nations League," he said. The next fixtures are scheduled for September. "Whether anyone other than Marko might potentially no longer be available, I don't know," said Rangnick about his squad options.

Next steps in the Nations League

About young star Lamine Yamal, who shone despite tight marking by Austria, Rangnick said respectfully: "I still think we defended him quite well. I would rather have given him another day off, but to foresee that, you'd have to be a clairvoyant." Despite the marking, the youngster decisively influenced the game.

Overall, Rangnick drew a mixed balance. What was achieved was respectable, but the outcome against Spain had ultimately been inevitable. Looking at Spain, he predicted: "It wouldn't surprise me if they're not only the reigning European champions, but also the next world champions."