What’s next for Franco Foda? After the 2-1 draw against Wales and the missed World Cup qualification, disillusionment and disappointment is spreading. The euphoria during the European Championship was great. Austria reached the round of 16 and failed in the round of 16 after extra time against eventual European champions Italy. But the World Cup qualification went terribly wrong. Only fourth place behind Denmark, Scotland and Israel. Clearly not enough for the demands of the Austrian national team.
Many critics and experts agree: Foda does far too little with the existing player material. The German won the Nations League. However, in a group with Norway, Romania and Northern Ireland. All opponents from which one should assume that Austria will win. Even after the failed World Cup qualification, hope was high. The path via Wales and the winner of the duel Ukraine – Scotland would have been feasible.
The fact is: Franco Foda will also be on the coaching bench of the Austrian national soccer team in Tuesday’s friendly against Scotland in Vienna’s Happel Stadium. This was explained by ÖFB President Gerhard Milletich on Thursday evening after the 1: 2 in the World Cup play-off semi-finals in Wales in an ORF interview. Milletich emphasized that Foda would “of course” coach the ÖFB selection against the Scots. The contract of the ÖFB team boss expires at the end of March due to missing the World Cup.
According to Milletich, Foda could even remain team boss in the longer term. “We have to find a solution, it can be with or without Foda.” An extension of the German cannot be ruled out, said the Burgenlander. Milletich expects the decision in April as to who will take care of the team in the Nations League games in June.
