"Krone" column

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The ÖFB stars will probably soon have a new team manager at their side.(Bild: AP/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Anyone who talks to Ralph Hasenhüttl about Austria's soccer can't get past the national team: "I have every confidence in them this year, including a World Cup ticket," says the Styrian. "I think they have a great squad with really good lads. Ralf Rangnick is doing a good job." The euphoria last year "was no coincidence, as the team did really well at the EURO. We would have liked to have survived one or two more rounds. It would have been possible."

Ralph Hasenhüttl(Bild: AFP or licensors)

This euphoria is still palpable even after missing out on direct promotion in the Nations League: It is no coincidence that 35,000 tickets have already been sold for the upcoming play-off first leg against Serbia on March 20 at the Happel Stadium. In the second attempt - the return match will follow on March 23 in Belgrade - the team should still be able to make it into the A-League.

Probably with a new man on board: The ÖFB is planning to hire a team manager to work together with Mario Margreiter - a German is said to be in pole position: Talks have already taken place with Lennart Coerdt, the 45-year-old most recently worked for the German second division club Hamburg for five years. He was in charge of managing appointments, organizing training camps, away trips and hotel stays.