Austria Coach Rangnick Dismisses World Cup Hangover Ahead of Israel Match

Austria's national football team coach, Ralf Rangnick, has stated that his squad is not suffering from a "hangover" following their elimination from the World Cup, emphasizing their readiness for their upcoming Nations League match against Israel. The game, scheduled for Thursday, marks Austria's first since their exit from the World Cup in the round of 16 against Spain.

Rangnick explained that the team composition has significantly changed since the World Cup two years ago, with many new players or those who did not participate in the tournament now integrated into the squad. He stressed that each player must take personal responsibility to elevate their performance and that the team's energy levels are high. "The transition from the World Cup to the Nations League? There is no 'hangover'. Almost half the players have left and there are new ones or those who did not participate in the World Cup, the team is in a completely different situation than it was two years ago. Every player needs to take responsibility and raise his level, everyone's energy is high," Rangnick stated.

Focusing on the immediate challenge, Rangnick asserted that the team's maximum effort will be dedicated to the match against Israel, whom he described as a team that "likes to play with the ball" and possesses "dangerous attacking patterns." He added, "The most important thing is Israel. We will do our maximum, we will focus solely on the game. We have had two intensive training sessions."

Rangnick also briefly commented on the security situation, calling wars "unnecessary things that cost human lives" and advocating for shared responsibility. Meanwhile, player Gregoritsch expressed his honor in captaining the team, especially with the previous three captains not being part of the current squad. Rangnick confirmed Gregoritsch's appointment as captain, calling it a "natural choice" due to his experience and leadership within the team.