Rangnick: Mourning for Graz overshadows ÖFB win against San Marino!

Rangnick: Mourning for Graz overshadows ÖFB win against San Marino!

After the Austrian national football team's 4-0 victory against San Marino on June 11, 2025, ÖFB team boss Ralf Rangnick commented on the sporting successes, but immediately drew attention to the tragic events of the day. The shooting spree in Graz overshadowed the football evening and was described by Rangnick as “particularly tragic for all of Austria”. He said that day was one of the hardest of his coaching career, a statement that carries weight considering such acts of violence.

Rangnick drew parallels to other dark chapters of the past, including the shootings in Winnenden in 2009 and the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. He made clear the need to actively protect both democracy and society, which requires the responsibility of every individual. “We have to look out for each other and are called upon to promote trust and empathy in our society,” said Rangnick.

Solidarity and empathy

The ÖFB team players also showed solidarity and showed a banner for the victims of the rampage. On Tuesday morning, before the game against San Marino, Rangnick informed his team about the dramatic events in Graz and decided against a traditional team meeting. Instead, he wanted the players to honor the tragedy of what was happening through their concentration and seriousness on the pitch.

The team's sporting performance was rated as “absolutely okay”, especially the first half. Rangnick praised the starting position, but warned that the victory over San Marino remains only a side note in the face of what has happened. He emphasized the importance of crisis awareness and responsibility that goes beyond the playing field.

Foresight of the challenges ahead

The next training phase is in September, with games against Cyprus and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Rangnick is hoping for the return of David Alaba and Xaver Schlager, who should be fit again by then. The coach is optimistic that the national team, provided it can compete with almost full strength, will qualify for the next World Cup.

In response to the events in Graz, Rangnick also announced initiatives in Carinthia, Tyrol and Salzburg. Children's training sessions and reading days are planned in Seeham and Seekirchen, which aim to bring primary school children together with seniors. These projects are intended to help strengthen the sense of community in the region shaken after the rampage and give new hope.

Given the current political flashpoints, including the war in Ukraine and the situation in Israel and Gaza, Rangnick calls for all generations to work together to create an environment of trust and security for young people. The focus now must be on strengthening the community in order to emerge stronger from these dark times.