Roman Mählich: Unusual paths to the national team debut in Austria

Roman Mählich: Unusual paths to the national team debut in Austria

The way the DFB announced its player nominations for the upcoming 2024 home European Championship caused excitement among many football fans. Instead of the usual telephone invitations that team bosses traditionally send to the players, a creative PR stunt was launched. The names of the players who made it to the selection were announced on various platforms by social media influencers and on a popular football podcast. Such new approaches harken back to the rather unspectacular nominations of the past, which were mostly characterized by simple telephone calls.

One of the interesting stories that comes from the past of Austrian football is that of Roman Mählich, a former player who made his debut for the national team over 30 years ago. His career began as a player for Sturm Graz, where he celebrated many successes, including several cup victories and championship titles. Despite his success, Mählich has often operated in the background and little in the spotlight, considering he once confronted the famous David Beckham with a humorous remark in a Champions League game.

The unforgettable debut

Unexpectedly, Mählich got the chance to play for the Austrian national team. During a game against Wacker Vienna, he was observed by team boss Ernst Happel, who offered a surprise a day later, on August 30, 1992: Mählich was quickly called up to the national team, which he was perhaps not fully aware of at this height. He only found out about his call-up shortly after the final, when Happel told him that he should come to the national team's training the next day. This feeling of being chosen by such a renowned coach was overwhelming for the then inexperienced player.

So Mählich made his way to the training camp in Upper Austria; he had little time to prepare. At the first meeting with Happel, whose health condition was already apparent at this point, a short, memorable remark was exchanged. Mählich felt honored, even if Happel was not known to be very talkative. The moment that followed, when Mählich played his first senior international match at the Gugl in Linz, was unforgettable for him. It was the only time he played under Happel, as the coach died a short time later.

Career and memories

After Mählich's first appearance for the national team, he was called back to the U21. It would be until 1997 before he was called up to the national team again, and this was followed by participation in the 1998 World Cup in France under the leadership of Herbert Prohaska. Mählich considers this period a great success in his career, even though the team did not reach the round of 16. His joy at taking part in a World Cup outweighed his disappointment at being eliminated.

Years after his active football career, Mählich remains a down-to-earth character who has many great memories of his time in football. In his opinion, the way players are called up to the national team today shows a positive development in football and has the potential to strengthen the relationship between fans and players.

For detailed information on the current situation and former players, The article can be consulted on offen.at.