Former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick has taken a decisive stance to quash rumors regarding his potential appointment as the manager of the German national team, following the dismissal of Hansi Flick.
Ragnick addressed the swirling speculations in a statement to ORF, asserting, “No chance. I decided 14 months ago to work as head coach at Austria, prepare the team to qualify for the Euros and play a good role there. Everything else is not a topic for me.”
Since concluding his tenure as caretaker manager at Manchester United in May 2022, Ragnick has been at the helm of the Austrian national team. His primary focus is on securing qualification for Euro 2024, with Austria currently leading qualifying Group F alongside Belgium, holding a points advantage over third-place Sweden.
Ralf Rangnick won’t be Germany coach: “No chance. I decided 14 months ago to work as head coach at Austria, prepare the team to qualify for the Euros and play a good role there”. ⛔️🇩🇪
“Everything else is not a topic for me”, told @ORF. pic.twitter.com/FUxLot8taF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 11, 2023
Despite the enticing prospect of leading the formidable German national team, particularly as they will host the upcoming tournament, Ragnick is steadfast in his commitment to Austria. He is unwilling to consider such a move with less than a year remaining until the main tournament.
In his capacity as Austria’s manager, Ragnick has overseen 13 matches, resulting in six victories, four losses, and three draws. Notably, the team achieved commendable outcomes, including a draw against France and a victory over the reigning European champions, Italy.
In light of Hansi Flick’s dismissal, the German Soccer Association (DFB) has commenced the search for his successor. Flick’s termination followed a disheartening 4-1 loss to Japan on home turf, adding to the mounting pressure he had faced due to an underwhelming World Cup campaign.
Former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann emerges as new favorite for German job
Ralf Ragnick’s firm rejection of the German national team manager role has shifted the spotlight onto another prominent figure – Julian Nagelsmann, who is now the leading candidate for the position, according to reports from The Bild.
Nagelsmann, the former manager of Bayern Munich, has become the front-runner to succeed Hansi Flick. His departure from Bayern Munich earlier this year marked the conclusion of his nearly two-season-long tenure with the club, during which he helmed the team in 84 matches across all competitions.
Nagelsmann presents an appealing prospect for Germany, given his proven track record and alignment with the lineage of esteemed German coaches who have previously overseen Bayern Munich.
The DFB will speak to both Julian Nagelsmann and Matthias Sammer about succeeding Hansi Flick as Germany head coach. If neither are appointed, then Rudi Völler could continue for the Euros [@Matt_Law_DT]
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) September 11, 2023
In the search for Flick’s successor, alternative candidates seem challenging to attain. Joachim Löw, the former manager who guided Germany to World Cup victory in 2014, remains on hiatus since stepping down from the role in 2021. Similarly, the coveted Jürgen Klopp, despite his allure, is firmly under contract with Liverpool and is unlikely to entertain a departure at the dawn of a new season.
Should Nagelsmann secure the role, he is poised to bring his attack-minded tactical approach to the German side, complemented by players from his former teams, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig.
During his 59 league matches at the helm of Bayern Munich, Nagelsmann’s squad notched an impressive 169 goals, boasting a formidable rate of 2.8 goals per match.
