Rangnick Stresses On Austria's Belief For Potential France Upset In Euro 2024

Ralf Rangnick emphasises the importance of self-belief as Austria prepares to face France in their Euro 2024 opener on Monday. France, led by Didier Deschamps, are among the favourites, having won the 2018 World Cup and finishing as runners-up at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup. Despite this, Austria is seen as potential dark horses, with the Netherlands already securing a 2-1 victory over Poland in Group D's first match on Sunday.

Under former Manchester United manager Rangnick, Austria finished just one point behind Belgium in their first qualification campaign. Rangnick has quickly implemented his high-pressing style, allowing opponents fewer passes per defensive action (8.3 PPDA) than any other team during qualifying. Austria also attacked with the fastest direct speed, moving the ball upfield at 2.03 metres per second.

Rangnick plans to take an aggressive approach against France in Dusseldorf. "That is crucial, that we will be courageous, that we are convinced of our own strength," Rangnick stated at his pre-match press conference. "What’s really vital is the way that we perform, not the way that France plays."

Christoph Baumgartner was directly involved in more goals than any other Austrian player during the EURO 2024 qualifying campaign, with three goals and two assists. This makes him a decisive player for Austria.

5 - Excluding penalties, Christoph Baumgartner was directly involved in more goals than any other Austria player in the EURO 2024 qualifying campaign (three goals, two assists). Decisive. #OnesToWatch #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/VahJn4QMAU

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 9, 2024

Challenges Ahead

One of Austria's main challenges will be to contain Kylian Mbappe, who has scored 12 goals in his last three international tournaments. Harry Kane is the only European player to match this figure. However, Rangnick insists that Austria cannot afford to focus solely on Mbappe due to the overall strength of the French squad.

"With our style of playing we have to counter him and the whole French team," Rangnick said. "We have to make sure that he doesn’t receive as many balls as he likes."

Final Preparations

Austria has spent over two years preparing for this moment. "It’s finally starting for us," Rangnick said. "We’re really excited. There’s joy above everything else."

The match against France will be a significant test for Austria as they aim to make a strong start in Euro 2024.