Unity in the ÖFB: Ex-President Windtner warns of World Cup risks!

Unity in the ÖFB: Ex-President Windtner warns of World Cup risks!

The former president of the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB), Leo Windtner, has urgently appealed to those responsible to promote unity within the association. In a crucial phase for Austrian football, which is largely influenced by the possibility of participating in the World Cup, Windtner calls for solidarity and a joint effort by all those involved. He warns that internal conflicts could jeopardize the chances of successful qualification for the World Cup. Windtner described the current generation of players under team boss Ralf Rangnick as motivated and united and sees Rangnick as a “motivation guru” who has significantly shaped the positive atmosphere surrounding the ÖFB selection.

Windtner, who was responsible for the ÖFB from February 2009 to October 2021, criticizes recent public statements by Gerhard Milletich and Johann Gartner about Rangnick. He highlights the progress made in the Austrian style of play since Rangnick took office and calls for a move away from the negative public relations that could weigh on the team. In addition, these conflicts can have a negative impact on the state associations. An upcoming sold-out World Cup qualifier against Romania on June 7th will show how the atmosphere in the team can develop.

Challenges and opportunities

The challenges facing the ÖFB should not be underestimated. Windtner emphasizes that the association is facing important decisions, especially with regard to the election of a new president. This decision could be made at an election committee meeting next Wednesday if interim boss Wolfgang Bartosch finds a successor after his term in office on May 18th. Windtner suggests electing an external person from business to this office in order to bring a breath of fresh air into the association.

The history of Austrian football is characterized by ups and downs. The national team reached its first heyday in the 1920s and 30s when it reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in Italy in 1934. After a long break in history, particularly due to the integration into the German football structure after 1938, Austrian football experienced a revival after the Second World War. In the 70s and 80s, football experienced a golden era with numerous successful participations in international championships.

The future of football in Austria

In recent years, Austrian football has also become more important in the women's sector. The women's national team qualified for the European Championships in 2017 and made it to the semi-finals. Competitive sport among clubs has also experienced a huge upswing, which further promotes the good development of football as a whole. Clubs such as FC Red Bull Salzburg and SK Rapid Wien have achieved success at European level and thus contribute to the positive perception of Austrian football.

In his remarks, Windtner made it clear that positive development in football is only possible through cooperation and professional structures within the ÖFB. If harmonious coordination and a common goal are pursued, Austrian football has a good chance of being successful at international level. This is the only way the past can serve as an incentive and a successful future can be created.

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