Leaving Austria after the World Cup? Ralf Rangnick is apparently considering a spectacular return

It therefore remains entirely unclear whether Rangnick will extend his contract as ÖFB coach, which expires after the 2026 World Cup, or take on yet another challenge. Although Rangnick has reportedly received an offer from the Austrian Football Association to extend his contract, the 67-year-old is said to want to wait until after the upcoming international matches at the end of March before making a decision.

According to Sport Bild, a new job as a club manager is unlikely for Rangnick. However, a return to the Bundesliga or a role in the Premier League as a sporting director is said to be a serious option for the German. No clubs where Rangnick might potentially take up a role are named.

Rangnick has previously managed VfB Stuttgart, Hannover 96, FC Schalke 04, TSG Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. He also served as sporting director at the Saxon club from 2012 to 2019, before spending a further year as Global Sports Director within the Red Bull organisation. Rangnick’s most recent role as a club manager was at Manchester United, where he was in charge from December 2021 to May 2022.

Immediately afterwards, Rangnick moved to the ÖFB and became Austria’s national team manager. He led the Alpine nation to Euro 2024, where, following a strong group stage, they reached the round of 16, only to lose 1-2 to Turkey. The next major success was qualifying for the 2026 World Cup as group winners; for Austria, this marks their first appearance at a World Cup since 1998.

In a group featuring Argentina, Algeria and Jordan, reaching the knockout stages is Austria’s minimum target. At the end of March, Rangnick’s side have friendly matches against Ghana and South Korea on the schedule, followed by a friendly against Tunisia in early June. The World Cup kicks off for the ÖFB team on 16 June with their opening match against Jordan.