The Austrian Football Federation president has admitted that Ralf Rangnick will be the one to decide his future, amid AC Milan links.
Josef Pröll spoke to the APA agency about possible developments in the Rangnick affair, who was made a renewal offer by the Austrian Football Association on Monday 1 June as per Sky Sport Austria (via MilanVibes).
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Negotiations between the ÖFB (Austrian Football Association) and their coach regarding the possibility of continuing beyond the World Cup are entering the decisive phase, one in which the German must decide what he wants to do.
It is known that Rangnick has met with Milan owner Gerry Cardinale and he seems tempted by the project. Austria’s opening match against Jordan will be played on Wednesday 17 June, and they would like to know where they stand regarding their coach, as Pröll admitted.
Do you want things resolving before that first game?
“Of course, it would be desirable for everything to be finalised before the start of the World Cup. He and I are always open to discussions, even remotely. We have sent a clear signal: we want him and his coaching staff, in line with the key points discussed, and we are ready to conclude the agreement.
“He still needs time, and that’s fine. He and I will discuss the necessary matters. This will happen in the coming days or weeks – as soon as he says he’s made a decision.”
Could you have started the talks earlier, to cut out the risk of losing him to Milan?
“We’ve never been rushed with a timetable, and that’s a good thing. We’ve shown mutual trust, and that must remain the case in the final phase of this decision.”
Could performance-based incentives be offered to help persuade Rangnick?
“We’ve never left anyone in any doubt that, given the opportunities we have, we’re very interested. That’s why I very correctly told Ralf Rangnick that with this decision, we want to send a clear signal to the ÖFB.”
By all means, get the deal done this week, but he should not leave Austria now, he should complete the project and the project started with qualification and ends with playing in the World Cup. There’s no need to screw up Austria.
Don’t expect an answer before the WC ends.
Either he extends and stays with us or he postpones the announcement to leave until then. But just before and during the tournament would be fatal for the team.
Anything other would be highly unprofessional and should be a reason not to hire one.