02 May 2024 , 10:25
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Ralf Rangnick has turned down Bayern Munich in order to focus on his job in charge of the Austrian national team.
Thomas Tuchel is set to leave Bayern at the end of the season and Rangnick was in talks to replace him, revealing last month: "Bayern Munich have contacted me and I have also informed the OFB (Austrian Football Association).
"We have a very trusting relationship. My focus is on the Austrian national team. We are completely focused on the European Championship. I feel very comfortable here. At the moment, there's no reason for me to focus intensively and specifically on that.
"The moment Bayern would say, 'We want you'. And then I have to ask myself, 'Do I even want this?' If I want to do something else, I will first discuss it with the OFB. We want to look after this team (Austria) as well as possible — and do as well as possible.
"I have a close and trusting relationship with my team. It won't play better just because I say, 'I'll definitely be here for the next four years'."
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However, the former Manchester United boss has now committed his future to Austria, stating: "I'm the Austrian team coach with all my heart.
"I really enjoy this task and am determined to successfully continue on our chosen path. I would like to expressly emphasise that this is not a rejection of Bayern, but rather a decision for my team and our common goals. Our full concentration is on the Euros. We will do everything we can to get as far as possible."
It is the same reason Rangnick gave for not taking up his consultancy role with United, which was due to start following his spell as interim manager in 2022. That was due to last two years, but Rangnick took the Austria job in April and it was announced the following month that he would no longer be involved at United as a result.
Rangnick has decided to remain in charge of Austria (LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)"We would like to thank Ralf Rangnick for his efforts as interim manager over the past six months," the club said in a statement. "By mutual agreement, Ralf will now focus solely on his new role as manager of the Austria national team and will not therefore be taking up a consultancy role at Old Trafford.
"We would like to wish Ralf the best of luck in this next chapter of his career."
Bayern, meanwhile, will now turn their attention to other potential candidates having ruled out keeping Tuchel in charge.
"No. You have to assess the decision at the point in time it was made," CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said. "It was a different situation. Now we have another situation – our clear goal is to reach the final, then hopefully win the Champions League. We would all be happy together and then we go separate ways."
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