He failed at Manchester United and turned down Bayern München.
Now Ralf Rangnick and his philosophy are achieving European Championship success with Austria.
We are really happy to have him, says the national team's injured star David Alaba.
The 66-year-old is seen as the architect behind "Gegenpressing".
In short, it's about a tactic that aims to immediately win back the ball after a ball loss.
The philosophy has inspired coaches like Thomas Tuchel, Julian Nagelsmann, Ralph Hasenhüttl, and Jürgen Klopp – but also brought mixed success for Ralf Rangnick himself.
The German has had several successful years in clubs, primarily Leipzig, which is driven by a beverage company, but also a tough time as interim coach for Manchester United in the Premier League.
Success in Austria
In Austria's national team, which he took over in 2022, the playing style is working at its best – so much so that he turned down taking over Bundesliga giant Bayern München before the European Championship in Germany.
And it's easy to understand him.
After the loss against France, the Austrians finished with wins against Poland and the Netherlands – which gave them the group victory and a round of 16 match against Turkey.
Enormous, says injured star David Alaba, to the European football association's website, about Rangnick's importance for the national team.
He has changed many things, and I think you can clearly see his signature in how we play.
He and his coaching team work at a high level. We are really happy to have him.
Alaba, who despite his knee injury is participating as a non-playing captain during the finals, says that the players know what potential the team has and how strong they are together.
We have proven it several times before and also during the European Championship, he says.
We know that it takes a lot to be successful. That's why we take it one match at a time, and focus on delivering what we came here to do.
"The country is behind us"
Next up is Turkey in Leipzig on Tuesday evening.
Despite maximum confidence in Ralf Rangnick, the national team coach's philosophy, and the team's potential, Alaba hopes that the fans in the stands and back home in Austria continue to show their support.
We feel that the whole country is behind us. We also see it in the fans who are here and create a great atmosphere. It makes a difference for us. They have really spurred us on, and we want to give back with good performances.
Born: June 29, 1958, in Backnang, Germany.
Occupation: National team coach for Austria since 2022, and the contract runs until 2025.
Selection of previous clubs as coach: Stuttgart, Hannover, Schalke 04, Hoffenheim, Leipzig, Manchester United.
Current: Has led Austria to group victory ahead of France and is now facing a round of 16 match against the Netherlands.
