FRANCO FODA
How do you reflect on the qualifying campaign and your team’s displays?
After the two defeats at the start, we had our backs to the wall. But the team always believed in themselves. It was important we stayed calm and carried our ideas on. Then, it was extremely important that we won the next two games. You could see the team is able to handle high-pressure situations well.
Where is David Alaba a better fit – at left-back or in midfield?
David can play in several positions at the highest level, which is exceptional in international football. He is an intelligent, versatile player who can read a game very well. In the national team, David plays the position where it’s best for the team. I try to come up with a plan for how to win against the next opponent. I position the players accordingly. Everyone, not just David Alaba.
How important is Marcel Sabitzer to the way the team functions?
Marcel is a player that every coach likes to have in his squad. He is extremely ambitious and confident, but never satisfied with himself. Since becoming a father, he has developed further as a personality. In the last few years,
he has tried to reach his maximum. Marcel is a player who gives everything in the 90 minutes and works a lot for the team.
How does Marko Arnautovic feature in your plans for Euro 2020?
Marko once again proved last year that he is a very important player, even if he doesn’t have a high rhythm. He has outstanding quality, he can give the decisive impetus in the game and thus make the difference. He is also a leading figure for our young players.
Is it difficult to strike a balance between experience and the emerging talent?
In the last few years, there has been a bit of a change in the team. Some well-established players ended their international careers after Euro 2016, and many young, talented players moved up. A new hierarchy has formed and this process takes time. We benefit a lot from the good mix of experienced and young players that we have in the team.
What’s your assessment of your Group C opponents?
We have been drawn in a very tough group. The Netherlands are the favourites. Ukraine remained unbeaten in qualifying and topped their group ahead of Portugal and Serbia. We know North Macedonia very well. They have very, very good players, but it’s not a disadvantage that we’ve played them before.
Can Austria reach the knockout stage?
We are in a positive mood because we have always achieved our goals so far. Everyone will be motivated and focused. But there is one thing I will give my players on their way: they have the chance to write history, to become the first Austrian national team to win a game at the Euros.