Alaba's Participation in Serbia Matches Remains Uncertain
This was explained by team manager Ralf Rangnick in the Sky program "Talk und Tore". "We will certainly not force him to play at all costs," said the German.
The most important thing is that the 32-year-old ÖFB captain "becomes completely healthy and can play at the highest level for another four or five years," emphasized Rangnick. "I will talk to him about how he assesses the situation. The two games against Serbia will be very intense."
According to Rangnick, Xaver Schlager, Sasa Kalajdzic, and also Maximilian Wöber, who is struggling with knee problems, will definitely miss the matches against Serbia. Additionally, Konrad Laimer will be absent in the first leg due to a suspension, and the injured Gernot Trauner is questionable. "It will be a close call with him," said Rangnick. Nevertheless, Rangnick indicated that a comeback by Aleksandar Dragovic is unlikely, although the coach did not completely rule it out.
Clashes with Serbia as "Mood Indicator" for World Cup Qualification
Against Serbia, Rangnick expects "two matches on equal footing, where small details will matter. But of course, we absolutely want to advance. Additionally, it is an important mood indicator towards World Cup qualification," explained the 66-year-old.
Rangnick also addressed the internal ÖFB turbulence. He described the recent complaint letters from sponsors as "extraordinary. But that is not an issue that concerns us. The presidency has to deal with that."
The withdrawal of the resignations of ÖFB Managing Director Bernhard Neuhold and ÖFB Secretary General Thomas Hollerer shows, according to Rangnick, "that this decision was not thought through to the end." The resignations were announced by the now-resigned ÖFB President Klaus Mitterdorfer, who was publicly criticized by Rangnick in November. However, the accusation that he was involved in Mitterdorfer's resignation "has nothing to do with reality," said Rangnick. "I do not feel in any way responsible for it."
Rangnick Wants "Best Man or Woman" at ÖFB Top
Currently, a structural reform is being worked on in the ÖFB, which among other things, provides that the president will in the future be called the chairman of the supervisory board and will relinquish competencies. For this, the yet-to-be-appointed CEO is to be equipped with significant influence. Regarding these planned changes, Rangnick said: "I can't even remember it, I'm not interested in it at all. I'm not a fan of organizational charts. It's about the acting personalities." He wishes for "the best man or woman for the job. We need someone who has the right leadership qualities."
(APA/Red)
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