Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are reportedly eyeing the service of former Manchester United Austria manager Ralf Ragnick in an organisational role similar to that of Jurgen Klopp at Red Bull club
Reports from Austrian magazine and German newspaper Bild said, the veteran Ralf Rangnick could make a sensational return to the Bundesliga as German heavyweights Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are keenly interested in acquiring the service of Austria manager.
The supervisory board member of Bayern Munich, Uli Hoeness is reportedly keen on appointing Rangnick as the club’s “mastermind,” similar to Jurgen Klopp’s role as Red Bull’s Global Head of Soccer, according to Bild.
Rangnick’s experience in scouting and youth development could benefit Bayern, he remains a backup option for a coaching or sporting director role at the club. He was previously considered by Bayern Munich in February, though no direct contact has been made. Despite rejecting the Bavarians Rangnick maintains strong relationship with key club figures.
“Ralf is the head coach in Austria. He is doing a very, very good job there,” said Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund at a press conference on Friday. “I don’t know if his name is floating around Sabener Strasse, in Dortmund, or at other clubs. He is very happy in Austria with the team. Fundamentally, I believe he enjoys the job a lot and feels comfortable in Austria.”
However, Bayern Munich could find themselves in competition with arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund for Rangnick, with Bild reporting BVB’s interest.
In January of this year, Rangnick was considered as a successor to sacked head coach Nuri Sahin, he even met with Dortmund officials in Salzburg. Niko Kovac was ultimately appointed but he has struggled to make a positive impact, with the club’s Bundesliga performance, where they sit 11th, threatening their European qualification for next season. Rangnick, meanwhile, is being linked to the sporting director role at the club.
Last year, Ralf Rangnick was fully committed to his role as Austria’s manager, but reports have suggested his relationship with the Austrian Football Federation (OFB) has since been deteriorated.
There were even rumors of his resignation towards the end of 2024, and OFB President Wolfgang Bartosch recently ruled out an early contract extension, stating it’s “not an issue at the moment”.
Despite a strong Euro 2024 campaign at Germany, Austria failed to secure Nations League promotion, suffering a play-off defeat to Serbia in the last international break
