Rangnick Appoints ÖFB Captain Against Israel

The ÖFB team kicks off its UEFA Nations League Group B campaign on Thursday (from 8:45 PM in the LIVE ticker) with a home match against Israel.

Regular captain David Alaba, who has not completed team training since the World Cup, is absent. The same applies to his deputies Marcel Sabitzer (rest) and Marko Arnautovic (retirement).

Accordingly, there was discussion: Who will be the new ÖFB captain? For the match against Israel, the decision has now fallen on Michael Gregoritsch.

Simple Reason

"It's very nice. You know that the three captains from the World Cup are no longer here," Gregoritsch explained at Wednesday's final press conference.

"I've been able to take on a lot of responsibility in the team for a long time, so I was pleased when the national team coach told me. It's something very special to be allowed to fulfill this role tomorrow," said the delighted 32-year-old forward, who has already played 78 ÖFB international matches in his career.

The national team coach initially justified the decision for the striker quite simply: "Because he's playing from the start."

Then the German elaborated: "There aren't just one or two leaders, but it's logical. Gregerl is the one who has by far the most caps, the most experience, and as a personality, is most predestined for it in this constellation. But I don't think Gregerl will play all four games, so someone else will likely wear the armband in one of the other matches."