Rangnick made the team more serious, but shouldn't become an Austrian now

Ralf Rangnick has significantly shifted the expectations and self-perception of the Austrian national football team in a remarkably short period. Four years after finishing fourth in their World Cup qualifying group, the team has advanced to the knockout stages of a World Cup, a feat that has paradoxically led to widespread dissatisfaction among many players and fans.

This discontent, the article argues, is a testament to Rangnick's success in elevating the team's standing and aspirations. However, it also points to a potential disconnect from realistic assessments of the team's capabilities and the inherent challenges of international football. The demands and criticisms following their World Cup exit suggest that the bar has been set perhaps too high, bordering on what a healthy realism would dictate.

The author implies that while Rangnick has instilled a greater sense of seriousness and competence within the squad, the subsequent high expectations might be somewhat detached from the team's actual potential or the competitive landscape. The article questions whether the current level of dissatisfaction is a fair reflection of the progress made or an overestimation of what could reasonably be achieved, even with Rangnick's influence.