Wimmer Praises New Austrian Duo as National Team Competition Heats Up

VIENNA – The competition for places in the Austrian national football team is intensifying and Patrick Wimmer is firmly in the mix. The VfL Wolfsburg winger will have an opportunity to showcase his abilities in Tuesday’s friendly against South Korea (8:45 PM CET/live on ORF 1), aiming to secure a spot in the starting lineup. The recent national team additions of Paul Wanner and Carney Chukwuemeka haven’t disrupted the team’s dynamic, according to Wimmer. “It’s a lot of fun with them,” he emphasized.

The arrival of Wanner and Chukwuemeka, both recent converts to representing Austria, has injected fresh energy into Ralf Rangnick’s squad. Wimmer’s comments highlight the positive impact the pair have already made, both on and off the pitch. This comes as Austria prepares for a crucial period of international fixtures, with the South Korea match serving as a key preparation opportunity.

Wanner and Chukwuemeka Make Immediate Impression

Wimmer specifically praised the performances of Wanner and Chukwuemeka, noting their immediate impact during their debuts against Ghana on Friday. “You could already see how they perform on the pitch,” Wimmer said, referencing their appearances in the second half of the 5-1 victory. “They were also very approachable people who were easy to integrate into the team.”

Wanner, who switched his international allegiance from Germany, and Chukwuemeka, who opted to represent Austria over England, appear to have quickly settled into the ÖFB (Austrian Football Association) setup. Wimmer believes their comfort level is a testament to the welcoming atmosphere within the squad. The ability to seamlessly integrate new players is often a sign of a healthy team environment, and it suggests Rangnick has fostered a positive culture within the national team.

Minor Injury Doesn’t Deter Wimmer

Despite a facial injury sustained during the match against Ghana, Wimmer confirmed he will be available for selection against South Korea. He avoided a serious nasal fracture, meaning he won’t require surgery or a protective mask. “It doesn’t look great, but the pain isn’t too bad anymore,” Wimmer reported, adding that he was able to participate in training.

The injury occurred following a shoulder challenge from Kwasi Sibo, resulting in a significant amount of bleeding. While the incident was concerning, Wimmer’s quick recovery is a boost for Rangnick ahead of the South Korea match. His availability provides the coach with another attacking option as he assesses his team’s options.

South Korea Test Awaits

Wimmer anticipates a tactically disciplined opponent in South Korea. He expects a challenging match that will test Austria’s preparation and tactical flexibility. The friendly serves as a valuable opportunity to experiment with different formations and assess player combinations before upcoming competitive fixtures.

This match against South Korea is particularly important as Austria continues to build momentum under Rangnick. The team is looking to establish a clear identity and build a strong foundation for future success. The integration of new talent like Wanner and Chukwuemeka is a key part of that process.

Patrick Wimmer’s Career to Date

Patrick Wimmer, born May 30, 2001, currently plays as a right winger for VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga. His professional career began with SV Gaflenz in 2017, before moving to Austria Wien II and then Austria Wien. He subsequently played for Arminia Bielefeld before joining Wolfsburg in April 2022, signing a five-year contract.

Wimmer has also represented Austria at various youth levels, including the U19 and U21 teams. He earned his first senior cap for Austria in 2022 and has since made 29 appearances for the national team, scoring one goal as of March 27, 2026. He was initially called up to the senior squad for UEFA Nations League matches in June 2022.

As of March 21, 2026, Wimmer has made 88 appearances for VfL Wolfsburg, scoring 12 goals. His consistent performances in the Bundesliga have earned him a place in Rangnick’s squad and a chance to compete for a starting role.

The match against South Korea will be Wimmer’s 30th appearance for the Austrian national team. He will be looking to make a significant contribution and further cement his place in the team.

Following the match against South Korea, Austria’s attention will turn to their upcoming competitive fixtures. The results of these matches will have a significant impact on their qualification prospects for major tournaments.