Ralf Ragnick spurns soon to be vacant position at Allianz Arena

Ralf Ragnick has opted to remain in his role as the head coach of the Austria national team, turning down the opportunity to succeed Thomas Tuchel as the Bayern Munich manager. 

The German coach, who will guide Austria in the European championship in Deutschland, had been speculated to replace Thuchel at the Allianz Arena. 

"I am the Austrian team boss with all my heart," Rangnick said in a statement on Thursday.

"I really enjoy this task and am determined to successfully continue on our chosen path.

"I would like to expressly emphasise that this is not a rejection of FC Bayern, but rather a decision for my team and our common goals. Our full concentration is on the European Championships. We will do everything we can to get as far as possible!"

Rangnick on April 24 confirmed that he had been reached out over their soon to be vacant manager role, but added that he was uncertain of taking up the opportunity. 

The former Man Utd interim boss joined as Austria’s head coach in April 2022 after a dismal spell in charge at Old Trafford in which they finished sixth in the Premier League with a club record low 28 points. 

Bayern had been looking for a new head coach since officially announcing that Tuchel will depart the club at the end of the season. 

In spite of their progress to the Champions League semi final, Minich has suffered an average campaign domestically as they trail Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen by 12 points. 

Leverkusen manager and former Bayern midfielder Xabi Alonso had been approached for the job but has announced his decision to stay with Leverkusen, while the man who Tuchel replaced as manager, Julian Nagelsmann also refused. 

Ragnick powered Schalke to the Champions League semi finals in 2011 and guided Hoffenheim to Bundesliga, earning back-to-back promotions in 2007-08 and 2008-09. 

Although, he is maybe best known for his time as the director of football at RB Leipzig and FC Salzburg. The 65 year old played a crucial role in building both clubs into recognised, successful sides in Europe. 

Austria qualified for Euro 2024 with just one loss and eight wins across ten games under Rangnick.