Ralf Rangnick Undergoes Emergency Surgery Following Medical Complications
Ralf Rangnick, the former head coach of the Austrian national team, has recently been admitted to the hospital for emergency surgery after complications arose from an initial medical procedure. The German manager, who previously served as an interim coach at Manchester United in 2021 and 2022, is currently recovering following a series of medical interventions.
Background on Rangnick’s Career
Rangnick took over as interim manager at Manchester United in late 2021, replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. His tenure was expected to be temporary, with plans to transition into a consultancy role when Erik ten Hag joined the club. However, Rangnick ultimately declined the offer and left the club after his six-month stint.
He later took charge of the Austrian national team on a two-year contract, which was later extended through the 2026 World Cup. Despite some challenges, including the team’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, Rangnick led Austria to the Euro 2024 tournament, where they impressed by finishing top of their group that included France, the Netherlands, and Poland.
Medical Issues and Surgical Procedures
According to reports, Rangnick underwent an operation last month due to wear and tear near his ankle. However, the surgical wound became severely inflamed, leading to a second emergency surgery. The Austrian Football Association confirmed that the second operation was successful and that Rangnick is currently doing well.
A spokesperson for the Austrian FA, Thomas Trukesitz, stated: “Ralf Rangnick is doing well. Nobody needs to have any concerns about his health.”
Rangnick’s Coaching Legacy
Despite his brief tenure at Manchester United, Rangnick is widely respected in the football world for his contributions to coaching strategies. He is particularly known for developing the gegenpressing tactic, which emphasizes quick pressing after losing possession.
His career highlights include winning the UEFA Intertoto Cup with Stuttgart in 2000, the DFB Pokal with Schalke 04 in 2011, and the Super Cup later that year. He also led Hannover 96 back to the Bundesliga in 2001 after a 13-year absence and finished second in the Bundesliga title race in the 2004/2005 season.
Criticism from Cristiano Ronaldo
Not all experiences during Rangnick’s time at Manchester United were positive. Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the club’s most iconic players, criticized Rangnick during a tell-all interview with Piers Morgan. Ronaldo expressed surprise at the appointment of Rangnick, who had previously worked as a sports director rather than a traditional coach.
“Of course, I respect that we have to call him boss because he assumed the job regardless – all the coaches that I had in my career, I call them boss because if they assume the job, we have to call them in that way.”
However, Ronaldo added: “This guy is not even a coach. A bigger club like Manchester United bringing in a sports director – it surprised not only me but all the world, you know. Of course, in my opinion. We have to be honest, if you’re not even a coach, how are you going to be the boss of Manchester United? It’s something that I should say that Manchester is not followed.”
Erik ten Hag’s New Role
In a separate development, Erik ten Hag, the former manager of Manchester United, is set to sell a player for the second time since joining Bayer Leverkusen. Ten Hag replaced Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen and is reportedly looking to offload a key player, continuing a trend seen during his time at Old Trafford.
As Rangnick continues his recovery, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how his health impacts his future coaching endeavors.