Werder Bremen captain reveals why Milan should want Rangnick and admits Rossoneri desire

The Werder Bremen captain Marco Friedl has praised Ralf Rangnick’s work, admitting he would like to join him at AC Milan.

The tournament coming up this summer could be the greatest opportunity of Friedl’s career. Austria are back at the World Cup 28 years after their last appearance (in 1998 they found themselves in the group with Italy) and they do so with Ralf Rangnick in the dug out.

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Not only that, but at their last major tournament – the 2024 European Championships in neighbouring Germany – Rangnick’s side topped a group which included France and the Netherlands. In short, the German is pushing new frontiers, earning new links with the Milan director job.

Now, the Werder Bremen captain has given an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport in which he shed a bit more light on the character that Rangnick is and how he has changed Austrian football at international level.

Austria are enjoying a peak…

“I don’t think it’s a coincidence. Ralf Rangnick has significantly raised the level of our football. He did it as a coach and before that as a spokesperson for the Red Bull world in Salzburg.

“He improved every team he worked for, but he always raised the level of his clubs as well. For us, he was crucial, the missing piece to make the leap in quality.”

Would he be a good acquisition for Milan?

I read about the interest. He hasn’t spoken to us about it, and in the dressing room, we all hope he stays with us. But I have to say that for Milan, or any other club, he would be the perfect solution.

“He’s proven it with his career-long work. He has a special fire inside him, and he knows how to bring something unique to teams and clubs.”

Don’t the rumours surrounding the World Cup bother you?

“I think it’s inevitable given the quality of his work. I stick to what he says, which is that his only interlocutor is the Austrian federation. I don’t know what will happen, but if I were a Milan fan, I’d hope the deal goes through.”

What’s so special about him?

“He and his staff know how to give precise direction to everyone within the club. In Austria, he’s not just a coach; he takes an interest in the training facilities of all the teams to ensure the young players can develop well.

“And the youth academies are improving significantly. It’s no coincidence, I repeat, that after years we’ve had a good European Championship and returned to the World Cup.

“Rangnick has practical control of every aspect within a club, but where he can’t reach with his hands, he still manages with his eyes, supervising. As coach, he doesn’t just focus on the time we spend with the national team, but he makes sure everything always works.”

Can you give an example?

“I got involved with the national team fairly quickly, then I wasn’t part of it for a while. Yet I always stayed in touch with him: he didn’t call me up, but he explained to me, showing me videos, what I was doing wrong and what I was doing right.

“Of course, the fact that many Austrian internationals play in the best leagues in Europe also helps, but it’s no coincidence that the quality of this team is higher than ever. You can see something different even in training…”

Such as?

“We, like the youth national teams, are only together for 7, 8, or 9 days, and there are often two matches to play. Training time is short, but every session is filled with joy, passion, and energy.

“Rangnick and his staff insist on it and help each player improve day after day. As a fan, regardless of the club, I’d always like to have Rangnick in charge. But I play for Austria, and I hope he stays with us.”

How are you feeling about the World Cup?

“The dream of participating in this competition begins as a child, watching the matches on TV. But no one knows if this dream will ever come true. Especially as an Austrian, given that our national team rarely makes it to the final stage. That’s why I’m convinced it will be an exceptional experience.”

How far can Austria go?

“We want to get through the group stage. That’s without a doubt. Then again, in do-or-die games, anything can happen. Let’s see what happens.”

How do you explain Italy’s flop?

“I’m distant, it’s hard to express myself. But it seems to me that there’s a lot of confusion surrounding the national team. It can happen that you fail to qualify, but three in a row is truly heartbreaking for Italy.

“We went to play in Bosnia, and I know that pitch is difficult. Plus, the match was unlucky: the sending off, then the penalties… But I hope Italy returns soon.”

In the past you were close to moving to Italy…

“Yes, but it doesn’t matter which club I was in talks with. There were contacts both in the summer and winter. In the end, the deal didn’t close because I wasn’t 100% convinced, and the clubs hadn’t fully agreed on anything either. However, I’m the captain of an exceptional club.

“I’ve been here for nine years, and that shows I’m happy. I don’t know what will happen in the future, but if an opportunity were to arise, it would have to be completely convincing. I’d like to play for something important; I hope it can happen with Werder Bremen.”

What do you like about Italian football?

“Football itself. The passion. Every team has very passionate fans. The country is also beautiful. I follow Milan in Serie A. I saw them in the Champions League final and in other important matches. For me, it’s an extremely fascinating club. Just like your entire country.”

So do you dream of finding yourself at Milan with Rangnick?

“If the Rossoneri were ever interested in me, I’d go even without him. Jokes aside, it’s all very abstract. I’m really focused on Werder Bremen and the World Cup, not on a possible transfer.”