On Thursday against San Marino it was Patrick Pentz, on Sunday in Romania (from 8:45 p.m. in the LIVE ticker>>>) it was Alexander Schlager.
Ralf Rangnick is currently not making a decision when it comes to goalkeeping.
“The past has shown…”
In this regard, the ÖFB team boss remembers the summer of 2024: “The past has shown that it doesn’t necessarily make sense to commit to someone. Before the EURO it looked as if Schlager was number 1, then he was injured.”
As is well known, Pentz was in goal at the finals in Germany. Schlager celebrated his comeback in autumn 2024, but had to miss it again in June 2025 due to injury. In the meantime, the currently injured Tobias Lawal also got a game.
“I don’t think it’s that important for the team now which of the two plays.”
Ralf Rangnick
Schlager and Pentz are clearly fighting for number one at the moment. Rangnick says: “We currently have two goalkeepers who are performing at a high level and also play regularly in the club. With Niki Polster we have another goalkeeper who made a very good impression in the course.”
“I don’t see any reason why we should have to worry eight or nine months before a World Cup about who is currently number one. I don’t think it’s that important for the team now as to which of the two is playing,” the coach clarifies.
His timetable: “We will look from game to game, from course to course. Of course it also depends on how the boys do with us and how they play in the club.”
Schlager sees it as relaxed
Ralf Rangnick doesn’t commit himself
Photo: © GEPA
Schlager also sees the situation in a relaxed manner. Would he think about the role as a goalie?
“I don’t even ask myself that question. I just try to perform as best as I can when I’m on the pitch. If I’m first, that’s it. If not, I still try to contribute as best as I can. I enjoy every minute I get,” says the Salzburg player.
Although they are naturally competitors, team spirit is also very important among the ÖFB goalies. “We are a goalkeeper team that treats each other to everything. We support each other. It’s about the big picture, we want to play successful football,” says Schlager, describing the situation.
Go to bed with a clear conscience
The 29-year-old also gives an insight into his inner life when it comes to mistakes – such as in the Nations League playoff in Belgrade.
“Of course it’s a shame and hurts when something happens, but that’s part of the sport. In this position, mistakes are punished very quickly. I manage to keep telling myself that I’m going to give it my all and always do my best and try to improve every day. That means I can go to bed every night with a clear conscience,” said Schlager.
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