Full speed instead of caution! For Austria’s dream of participating in the first World Cup since 1998, coach Ralf Rangnick (67) apparently did not consider RB Leipzig.
In the 2-0 qualifying win in Cyprus he brought on Xaver Schlager (27) from the start on Saturday. The return of the starting Eleven after a long break due to injury – despite having contacted the Leipzig doctor!
According to BILD information, the RB doctors had met before the international trip addressed directly to Rangnick. Your request: Schlager, who recently missed the Bundesliga with a calf problem and is still not at 100 percent, should only be used sparingly and in a controlled manner. But no results!
For Rangnick, a midfield engine seems very necessary. He didn’t want to appear without it, especially in one of the most important international matches of the last 25 years. For good reason: Leipzig’s vice-captain worked hard, fighting, running and sharing the ball for 60 minutes.
Xaver Schlager played 60 minutes in his comeback in Austria
For the Austrian media, Schlager is one of the best. “A strong comeback,” praised the Kronen-Zeitung. Courier raved: “Immediately showed why the team missed him in October. Strong presence in the middle, often skillfully used his teammates with plenty of ball security and overview and was one of the strongest on the pitch until he was substituted.”
Schlager is not yet fully fit
The fact that Schlager, in ORF’s assessment, “clearly still has some work to do, especially physically,” also shows just how precarious Rangnick’s journey is on the horizon. And the concerns of RB doctors are not unfounded.
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What the medical department and the Leipzig bosses should continue to worry about: Austria will face a decisive duel against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday (20:45). The pressure was very high – even on Rangnick.
He will certainly rely on Schlager again. With potentially bitter consequences for RB Leipzig …
