Jurgen Klopp was full of admiration for Ralf Rangnick despite Man Utd disappointment

Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for current Austria coach Ralf Rangnick, despite the German's disappointing spell as coach of Manchester United.

Rangnick was employed as United manager in the 2021-22 season, but was only handed a six-month contract following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November 2021. Rangnick's spell was a disappointment and he wasn't retained at Old Trafford, leaving at the end of that campaign.

Klopp was full of praise for Rangnick at the time, and even praising United for making the decision to hire him.

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Upon Rangnick being named as United manager in late 2021, Klopp said: "Unfortunately a good coach is coming to England, that's how it is, to Manchester United.

"Ralf is obviously a really experienced manager. He built most famously two clubs from nowhere to proper threats and forces in Germany with Hoffenheim and Leipzig.

“United will be organized on the pitch, we should realize that - that's obviously not good news for other teams." Rangnick left United with a record of 29 games, 11 wins, 10 draws and eight defeats.

After he was let go by United, Rangnick took charge of the Austria national side, and Rangnick has defied the odds and guided the nation to top of its Euro 2024 group, ahead of both France and The Netherlands. Austria lost narrowly to France in the opening match of Group D, before beating Poland 3-1 several days later in Berlin.

Today, Austria emerged victorious against Virgil van Dijk's side in a thrilling 3-2 encounter in the German capital to top the group, following France's draw with Poland.

Goals from Donyell Malen, Romano Schmid and Marcel Sabitzer secured all three points for Austria, who will face the runner-up of Group F, which as of writing is Turkey. However, with Georgia and Czech Republic only two points behind the Turks, both nations will also be in the running to face Rangnick's men in the round of 16 on July 2.

Austria's progress in the tournament gives Klopp validation of what Rangnick could've achieved at United ahd he been given time.

Liverpool.com says: Rangnick has done a superb with Austria, and it could be the dark horse of the competition. No one predicted it to top a group containing both France and The Netherlands, yet Austria produced an extraordinary performance against Van Dijk's side, and a deep run in the tournament shouldn't be ruled out at this stage.