Rangnick over Alaba: Does the ÖFB star stay despite the injury to Real?

Rangnick over Alaba: Does the ÖFB star stay despite the injury to Real?

In the past few weeks, numerous rumors about David Alaba and his future have been loud at Real Madrid. A month ago it was reported that Bayern Munich was interested in a return campaign, but this speculation was quickly classified as not serious. Ralf Rangnick, national team coach of Austria, emphasized that Bavaria had actually seriously thought about a return action before Alaba's knee injury, but the current situation looks different.

Alaba recently underwent a knee operation and works intensively on his comeback. According to reports from Spain, the defender plans to extend his contract with Real Madrid and to fight his position. He would like to use the advance laurels that his new coach Xabi Alonso will give him in preparation. Rangnick is optimistic and believes that Alaba, if he remains without injuries, can play an important role in the Real Madrid team. "Alaba has not lost quality, but his knee is the limiting factor," said Rangnick.

Alaba as a key player

Rangnick also praised Alaba as one of the best central defenders of the present, especially his role in the center, where he can have the greatest influence. His strengths recently became visible in the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea, where Alaba played heavily in the first half, but had to be replaced at the break due to muscle complaints. Carlo Ancelotti, trainer of Real Madrid, referred to an overload of the knee tendon muscles, which is why the player may face a break lasting several weeks.

Rangnick, who will remain team boss of the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) up to the upcoming World Cup, plans in advance for the European Championship qualification games against Belgium and Sweden. He has received numerous offers in recent months, but remains true to the national team, which he describes as "come home". He appreciates his return to Austria, both culturally and culinary.

criticism of nominations

As part of the ÖFB's nominations, Rangnick made a remarkable decision: Aleksandar Dragovic, who has 100 caps on the hump, was no longer called into the squad and expressed his disappointment on non-nomination in a short conversation with Rangnick. The trainer explained that Dragovic is not a young player to just try it out and emphasized the competitive situation in the central defense position.

In the current squad planning, Rangnick sees other players in terms of physicality, speed and athletics. Nevertheless, he emphasizes the importance of Konrad Laimer, which he praises for his technical development and strengths in the switching game. Rangnick expresses the wish that Laimer is used regularly at Bayern to develop.

The challenges in front of which Alaba is facing are not just a sporty nature. A current study on the psychosocial conditions of sports injuries highlights the complexity of the decisions that athletes and trainers have to make in such situations. Many athletes often do not communicate pain or hesitate in order not to miss any competitions, which can lead to long-term health risks Publications.uni-uebingen.de . This can also be transferred to Alaba's current situation because he is fighting for his return despite the injury.