Friedl, captain of Werder Bremen called up to the World Cup by the Professor: “He didn’t talk to us about RedBird’s proposal and I hope he stays to coach Austria. He’s very good with young players and controls everything, on and off the pitch”
The greatest opportunity of my career. Maybe about life. Austria returns to the World Cup 28 years after the last time (in 1998 they found themselves in the group with Italy) and does so with Ralf Rangnick on the bench. “I don’t think it’s a coincidence – Marco Friedl, captain of Werder Bremen and member of the Austrian squad, explains to the Gazzetta – Rangnick has significantly raised the level of our football. He did it as coach and before that as the representative of the Red Bull world in Salzburg. He improved all the teams he worked for, but he always raised the level of the clubs too. For us he was fundamental, the missing piece to make the leap in quality.” For Milan, managing to sign Rangnick would, according to Friedl, be an exceptional coup: “I read about the interest – he admitted -. He didn’t talk about it with us and in the dressing room we all hope he stays with us. But I have to say that for Milan, and for any other club, he would be the perfect solution. He has demonstrated it with the work he has done for an entire career. There is a special fire inside him, he knows how to give something unique to teams and clubs”.
Don’t the rumors surrounding the World Cup bother you?
“I consider it inevitable given the quality of his work. I stick to what he says, namely that his only interlocutor is the Austrian federation. I don’t know what will happen, but if I were a Milan fan I would hope that the deal would go through.”
What’s special about it?
“He and his staff know how to give precise direction to everyone within the club. In Austria he is not a simple coach, but he is interested in the training structures of all the teams to ensure that the young players can develop well. And the youth sectors are improving significantly. It is no coincidence, I repeat, if after years we have had a good European Championship and returned to the World Cup. Rangnick has practical control of every aspect within a club, but where he does not arrive with his hands he still arrives with his eyes, supervising. ct doesn’t just focus on the time we spend with the national team, but makes sure everything is always working.”
Marco Friedl
Werder defender
Marco Friedl has played at Werder Bremen since 2019, he is a central defender and captain. Since 2020 he has been an Austrian international
“I joined the national team quite quickly, then for a period I was no longer part of it. Yet I always remained in contact with him: he didn’t call me up, but he explained to me, by showing me videos, what I did wrong, what I did well. Obviously the fact that many Austrian national teams 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 already see something different from the training sessions…”.
“We, like the national youth teams, are only together for 7-8-9 days and often there are two games to play. There is little time to train, but in every session there is joy, passion, energy. Rangnick and his staff expect it to be like this and help each player to improve day after day. As a fan, regardless of the club in question, I would always like to have Rangnick in charge of everything. But I play for Austria and I hope he stays with us.”
With what emotions do you approach the World Cup?
“The dream of participating in this competition began as a child, when one watched the matches in front of the TV. But no one knows if he will ever realize this dream. Especially as an Austrian, given that our national team rarely participates in the final phase. This is why I am convinced that it will be an exceptional experience.”
What is your first World Cup memory?
“As a child you experience things differently. As you grow up your point of view changes. Since 2006 I think I’ve seen all the matches. Perhaps the first real flash that I can place in time is Zidane’s header to Materazzi. Then I remember James Rodriguez’s goal against Uruguay, with that spectacular chest stop. And then some important matches from Germany. There are things that I will remember even in 30-40 years. And I hope that some moments will be the ones I will experience with Austria”.
In the absence of Austria, did you support Germany at the World Cup?
“No. Some of my friends succeed, I don’t. I’ve lived in Germany since I was 11, I don’t feel a rivalry with the Germans and I wouldn’t even say that I don’t like how their national team plays. But I can’t support them simply for the reason that I’m Austrian. I was happy for my friends in 2014, but I think few Austrians support Germany.”
I have been in negotiations with an Italian club, but I won’t say which one. I like your football and I follow Milan
And what do you think of the new format?
“I think it’s nice that national teams like Haiti, Cape Verde or Curaçao can participate in an event like this. However, I feel sorry for the fans who, with the matches being played in different countries, will have to spend a lot of money to follow the tournament. Many will probably have to give up. The last European Championships, in Germany, were also nice because people could participate without excessive expenses.”
Where can Austria go?
“We want to get through the group. This without a doubt. Then in the inside or outside matches anything can happen. Let’s see what will happen.”
How do you explain Italy’s flop?
“I’m distant, it’s difficult to express myself. But it seems to me that there is a lot of confusion around the national team. It can happen that you fail to qualify, but three in a row, for Italy, is really a blow to the heart. We went to play in Bosnia and I know that that field is difficult. Plus the match was unlucky: the expulsion, then the penalties… However, I wish Italy to return soon.”
In the past you were close to moving to Italy…
“Yes, but it doesn’t matter which club I was in negotiations with. There were contacts both in the summer and in the winter. In the end the deal didn’t close because I wasn’t 100% convinced and not even the clubs had fully agreed. However, I am captain of an exceptional club, I’ve been here for 9 years and this shows that I’m fine. I don’t know what will happen in the future, but if an opportunity were to emerge it will have to be completely convincing. I would like to play for something important, I hope it can happen with the Werder”.
What do you like about Italian football?
“Football itself. The passion there is. Every team has very passionate fans. The country is also beautiful. In Serie A I follow Milan. I saw them in the Champions League final and in other important matches. For me it is an extremely fascinating club. Just like your whole country.”
So do you dream of finding yourself at Milan with Rangnick?
“If the Rossoneri were to ever be interested in me I would go there even without him. Jokes aside, it’s all very abstract, I’m really focused on Werder and the World Cup, not on a possible transfer.”
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