Rangnick turns down AC Milan and is likely to extend contract with the ÖFB

Milan wanted to sign him as their new technical director. Now the ÖFB team boss reportedly wants to focus fully on his role with the national team. This also clears the way for a contract extension with the Austrian Football Association – at least until the end of the Euro 2028 qualifying campaign.

Implications for the ÖFB

An extension of the contract, which expires after the World Cup in North America, is now moving closer. Should Austria reach the European Championship finals, the deal would even run until the tournament itself. "The ball is now in Ralf Rangnick's court, he will come to us," ÖFB supervisory board chairman Josef Pröll most recently told APA.

The ÖFB has not reacted to this so far. Rangnick himself has likewise not publicly commented on the reports. The coming days, however, are already clearly mapped out by the sporting tasks of the Austrian national team: on Wednesday (6:00 AM CEST), the first World Cup group match against Jordan takes place in Santa Clara near San Francisco.

Milan's sporting situation

AC Milan's sporting starting position is likely to have additionally weighed on the talks. Milan finished the Serie A season in fifth place, thereby missing out on Champions League qualification. For a club of Milan's stature, that is a clear sporting signal, suggesting a comprehensive overhaul of personnel and structures.

Rangnick's profile as a football strategist and rebuilder is known internationally. His ideas of clear decision-making powers, hierarchical structures, and a coherent sporting concept align with the approach he has pursued at previous stops. The fact that Milan was apparently unable to guarantee these conditions at the desired pace is considered by the Gazzetta to be the main reason the talks collapsed.

Outlook on the World Cup and Euro qualifying

For the ÖFB, keeping Rangnick beyond the World Cup would be a signal of continuity. The association had signed the German to develop the national team in the long term and make it internationally competitive. With an eye on Euro 2028, which is set to take place in Great Britain and Ireland, an early extension would confirm the course that has been set.

It remains to be seen whether negotiations with the ÖFB will begin immediately after the World Cup tournament or already during the tournament. Pröll's statement suggests that the association wants to approach Rangnick as soon as he is ready for it. Until then, full focus is on the upcoming group match against Jordan, which will be broadcast live on kurier.at/sport.