Ralf Rangnick, Austria coach, hails Ghana as strong team before friendly clash

Austria coach Ralf Rangnick has offered high praise for Ghana prior to their international friendly on Friday at the Ernst Happel Stadion, stressing that the Black Stars will pose a tough challenge for his team as they gear up for their first FIFA World Cup outing in 28 years.

During his pre match press briefing on Thursday, the Austria manager remained composed, courteous, and straightforward about the test facing his squad when Otto Addos team visits Vienna.

Ghana is a formidable side in terms of their style of play, plus they possess real physical power, speed, and energy, Rangnick remarked to the media.

It is an excellent opportunity for us since we must deploy all our assets on the pitch, from fitness and strategy to skill, if we hope to claim victory.

Ghana boss Addo targets win over Austria in warm up game

Rangnick was just as firm on Austrias intentions for this encounter, underscoring that the friendly label makes no difference to their mindset.

We take on every fixture intent on triumph. That is the point of these matches, he explained. We aim to boost our self belief. Ghana defeated South Korea too.

Austria striker Michael Gregoritsch shared similar openness before the game, showing real excitement about taking on a squad beyond the usual European opponents.

Ghana are physically robust, skilful and disciplined, with the ability to switch play rapidly, noted the Freiburg forward. It is an ideal matchup to gauge our performance against teams from other continents. We are eager to face an African outfit.

The Friday fixture begins at 18:00 CET in the Ernst Happel Stadion, with Austria boasting a lineup featuring skipper David Alaba, midfield powerhouse Konrad Laimer, and experienced attacker Marko Arnautovic.

A couple of recently qualified talents, Carney Chukwuemeka and Paul Wanner, might also play a part, injecting further interest into the event.

Austria find themselves in Group J for the World Cup with current title holders Argentina, Algeria, and Jordan, so each preparatory outing holds significant importance.