Rome, June 14 (LaPresse) – "Three weeks ago there was initial contact and talks took place. I had asked for clarity before the start of the World Cup, for myself, for the team, and for the Austrian Football Federation. That clarity was not there." This was stated by Ralf Rangnick, Austria coach, in a press conference after announcing the extension of his contract with the Austrian national team until 2028. At the end of May, Rangnick met Milan executives in Vienna, who wanted to hire him as sporting director for their new project. However, the Salzburg-born coach opted for the offer from the Austrian Football Federation (ÖFB), which met not only his financial demands but also those of his staff. Rangnick stressed that his departure was in no way linked to demands for greater decision-making powers or an expansion of his responsibilities. The Milan project could have been attractive not only for him, but also for others. However, until the very end there had been "no clarity" from the Milan club. "I am happy to have made this decision. It is also important for me personally to now be able to fully focus on the games here," he said in an interview with ORF. "It was clear that I would make this decision before the start of the World Cup. But for a long time I did not know that the entire staff was in agreement and happy to be here," Rangnick explained. Now it is the case. "That is why I can sit here and say with a good feeling that it is the right decision," added the German coach.
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