Opta statistics on “opposition passes allowed per defensive action,” or “PPDA,” reveals that only Germany gives up fewer passes to their opponents before shutting them down.
However, Austria has also committed the most fouls at Euro 2024—49 in their first three games—illustrating how relentlessly they pursue their opponents.
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock commented on the news, “I just look at Austria and the way they are organised in and out of possession.”
“Every player has been on that field and is aware of what is expected of them; it is a very structured environment.
A manager better suited for football on a global scale?
Although he rarely lasted, Rangnick had a lengthy and varied career as a club manager, having coached 13 teams total, the 13th being Manchester United.
But he appears to have settled into Austria well.
Bayern Munich approached him about playing club football again before this summer’s Euros, but he turned them down.
By the time he left Manchester United, Ralf Rangnick was practically a laughing stock, according to Simon Stone, the top football news writer for Sport.
