Rangnick opts to stay as Austria coach, dealing blow to Bayern

(FILES) German football manager Ralf Rangnick looks on ahead the German Supercup football match between RB Leipzig and FC Bayern Munich in Leipzig, eastern Germany, on July 30, 2022. – Ralf Rangnick will stay head coach of the Austrian national football team even after the UEFA Euro 2024 European Football Championship, the Austrian Football Federation announced on May 2, 2024. Rangnick was in talks before with German first division record club FC Bayern Munich to become the club’s head coach in summer 2024 to replace outgoing manager Thomas Tuchel. (Photo by Ronny HARTMANN / AFP) /

Ralf Rangnick said on Thursday he wished to continue as Austria head coach, with Euro 2024 the immediate goal, delivering a fresh blow to Bayern Munich in their search for a replacement for outgoing boss Thomas Tuchel.

The 65-year-old former Manchester United interim manager had been tipped to replace Tuchel, who leaves at the end of the season after just two years in charge, having failed to secure Bayern a 12th successive Bundesliga crown.

Austria have discovered a rich run of form since Rangnick took over in April 2022, winning 11 of their past 14 matches, losing just one.

However, the Austrians have a tough group to negotiate their way through at Euro 2024.

They kick off their campaign in Germany against France on June 17, followed by Poland four days later and round it off against the Netherlands on June 25.

“I am the Austrian team boss with all my heart,” Rangnick said in a statement released by the Austrian FA (OeFB) on Thursday.

“This task gives me incredible joy and I am determined to successfully continue on our chosen path.

“I would like to expressly emphasise that this is not a rejection of FC Bayern, but a decision for my team and our