Manchester, November 26 (BUS): Ralf Rangnick, set to become interim manager of Manchester United, heads to Old Trafford, famous for “pressing football”, but the vast German experience in coaching and team development is almost certain to be the best. . The real attraction of the club.
The 63-year-old will take charge of United’s first team until the end of the season, but he also agrees to a two-year role as advisor – details that give a strong idea of what United are hoping to achieve. Gains from former RB Leipzig coach, Reuters reports.
In terms of titles, Rangnick’s record as a coach is relatively modest – he won two domestic cups with Schalke 04 and the second division with Hannover 96 – but his reputation and importance in German football is even more impressive.
Rangnick has had a huge impact on a generation of German coaches from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel to Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann.
Full of energy, pressure, rigor and aggression, football is the trademark of the “Rangnick” style, a style that has many fans.
“If you play once, you will never want to play football in a different way, because it is very exciting and very entertaining,” said former Leipzig coach Alex Zorneger.
The United squad, while perhaps not best suited to a full-blown full-pressing style, would certainly benefit from some new tactical input.
But the German work in finding and developing players and coaches and focusing football operations is where they might find the most value.
Rangnick has built two teams in Germany – Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig – from relative obscurity to elite level.
His work at Leipzig has focused in particular on the use of the latest performance training, data, sports science and the purpose of a recruitment strategy based on the style of play to which the club is committed.
A similar approach has been adopted across the Red Bull group, including Salzburg in Austria and New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer.
Rangnick, in 2019, was Head of Sport and Development at Red Bull and was responsible for all three of these clubs.
United sources say director of football John Murtaugh, who targeted Rangnick for the club after the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Sunday, has long been impressed by the German’s work.
United’s head of research and development, David Horrocks, visited Red Bull’s training center in Salzburg and studied the organization’s methods.
club building
Rangnick has not coached in more than two years, and announced in July that he was establishing a company focused on “building clubs”, taking on a role with Lokomotiv Moscow as head of sport and development.
United have done a lot of “club building” themselves, but they could benefit from some analysis and focus on how they can do better.
During Solskjaer’s three years at the club, United have hired some key staff for the academy, data, sports sciences and coaching staff. Rangnick can provide some valuable insights into how to get the best out of the talent pooled.
Young coaches Michael Carrick, current interim first-team manager, Kieran McKenna and Academy Head Nick Cox are sure to all benefit from Rangnick’s expertise and contribution.
In addition, United’s executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, is set to leave the club in the coming months with group managing director Richard Arnold taking his place in the chain of command.
Arnold, who has experience in business, may feel it would be beneficial to have a knowledgeable footballer like Rangnick work at the club as he transitions into his new, broader role.
Although his immediate task is focused on the short term – to get United on the pitch and Liverpool boss Klopp expects to make an impact.
“He’s a really good guy and a great coach. He’s a really experienced coach.
“He’s done many different jobs in football, but his number one concern has always been to be a coach, to be a manager, and that’s his best skill.”
“United will be organized on the pitch. This is not good news for the other teams.”
United must also find a new permanent manager to take over at the end of the season, and Rangnick, with his vast knowledge and connections, is well placed to not only advise on the best option but to help recruit them.
It may not be necessary if his six months at Old Trafford are going so well that he himself becomes the best option.
NS