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 urged to appeal to those responsible to promote a unit in the association. In a crucial phase for Austrian football, which is largely shaped by the possibility of participating in the World Cup, Windtner demands cohesion and a joint effort of everyone involved. He warns that internal conflicts could endanger the chances of a successful qualification for the World Cup. Windtner described the current generation of players under team boss Ralf Rangnick as motivated and united and sees in Rangnick a "motivational guru", which has significantly shaped the positive mood around the ÖFB selection.

Windtner, who was responsible for the ÖFB from February 2009 to October 2021, criticizes the latest public statements by Gerhard Millletich and Johann Gartner about Rangnick. He emphasizes the progress of the Austrian style of play since Rangnick's taking office and demands a departure from the negative public relations work that the team could put on. In addition, these conflicts can have a negative impact on the national associations. At an upcoming sold-out World Cup qualification game on June 7th against Romania, it will be shown how the atmosphere in the team can develop.

challenges and opportunities

The challenges for the ÖFB should not be underestimated. Windtner emphasizes that the association faces significant decisions, especially with regard to the election of a new president. This decision could already be made in an election committee meeting next Wednesday if interim chief Wolfgang Bartosch finds a successor after his term on May 18. Windtner suggests choosing an external person from the economy to this office in order to bring a breath of fresh air to the association.

The history of Austrian football is characterized by ups and downs. The national team reached a 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, in particular through integration after 1938 into the German football structure, Austrian football experienced a revival after the Second World War. In the 1970s and 80s, football experienced a golden era with numerous successful participation in international championships.

The future of football in Austria

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

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

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