Austria manager Ralf Rangnick has confirmed that talks have taken place between him and Bayern Munich regarding their soon-to-be vacant manager role. Despite the approach, Rangnick expressed uncertainty about whether he would ultimately accept the position. This comes in the wake of Thomas Tuchel’s impending departure from Bayern at the end of the season, following a disappointing campaign in the Bundesliga.
Rangnick, who is currently focused on leading Austria at the upcoming European Championship, emphasized that his primary commitment lies with the national team. He has informed the Austrian FA about Bayern’s interest but stressed that he is fully dedicated to preparing for the upcoming tournament. Rangnick highlighted the importance of maintaining his focus on the task at hand and expressed contentment with his role in guiding Austria.
When asked about the timing of a potential decision regarding the Bayern Munich job, Rangnick indicated that he would only seriously consider the offer once Bayern formally expressed their desire to appoint him. He emphasized the need for introspection, stating that he would evaluate his own willingness to take on the role before making a decision. Rangnick also mentioned that any decision to accept the Bayern role would involve discussions with the Austrian FA.
Rangnick assumed the position of Austria coach in April 2022, following a brief stint as interim coach at Manchester United. His time at United concluded with a sixth-place finish in the Premier League, prompting his departure from the club. Prior to his role at United, Rangnick had coaching spells at various German clubs, including Schalke, Stuttgart, and RB Leipzig. He has achieved notable victories during his tenure with the Austrian national team, defeating strong opponents such as Germany and Italy.
As Austria prepares to compete in a challenging group at the European Championship, featuring formidable opponents like France, the Netherlands, and Poland, Rangnick’s leadership will be crucial. Despite the ongoing discussions with Bayern Munich, Rangnick remains committed to his responsibilities with Austria. The upcoming tournament presents an opportunity for Rangnick to showcase his managerial abilities and guide Austria to success on the international stage.