By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, June 15 (Xinhua) -- A wave of euphoria swept through Austria after news broke that the national team's head coach Ralf Rangnick had extended his contract until 2028.
On Saturday evening, TV news programs interrupted their regular schedules to announce that the 67-year-old had committed his future to Austria, ending days of uncertainty over his position.
The breakthrough followed intense speculation after Rangnick considered an offer from Italian giant AC Milan. His future had dominated newspaper coverage, with commentators warning that the uncertainty risked disrupting Austria's World Cup preparations.
"Now the World Cup can start," one newspaper headline read after Rangnick rejected Milan's approach, having previously turned down interest from Bayern Munich.
Rangnick said listening to offers was part of football, but stressed his deep connection to Austria, which he has coached since 2022.
Commentators said he had awakened Austrian football after guiding the team to its first World Cup appearance since 1998.
"The coach's commitment is delivering a big motivational push for the team," former Austria international and Bayern Munich midfielder Andreas Herzog said ahead of Austria's Group C opener against Jordan on Wednesday.
More demanding tests against Algeria and 2022 World Cup champion Argentina will follow.
Despite the difficult group, Bayern midfielder Konrad Laimer and Real Madrid defender David Alaba have spoken openly about Austria's ambitions.
"We are a team dreaming big," Alaba said.
The 33-year-old, who is looking for a new club after five years at Real Madrid, said Austria is ready to break new ground after repeated exits in the last 16 at major tournaments.
Austria's progress under Rangnick has been supported by wider development work, including youth initiatives, league restructuring and calls for a new national stadium.
The squad, featuring players from Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Tottenham and PSV Eindhoven, is being described as one of the strongest in Austria's history. PSV midfielder Paul Wanner and Dortmund's Carney Chukwuemeka have added further depth after choosing Austria over Germany and England respectively.
"Both complete our experienced squad and add youthful nonchalance," said Rangnick, the former Manchester United, Hoffenheim and Leipzig coach.
Alaba, a two-time Champions League winner, said he felt "boundless gratitude" to be part of Austria's World Cup return.
Veteran striker Marko Arnautovic, 37, called for a public holiday after Austria secured qualification.
"This is our chance to go far," he said. ■