Wimmer before Nations League start: “We have to prove that we are ready for bigger things”

Patrick Wimmer concentrated fully on the upcoming games in the Nations League.
APA/EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

The multimedia review of the European Championship round of 16 exit was short for Austria’s team players, but relatively painful. In a five to ten minute video on Tuesday morning in the quarters in Pörtschach, the ÖFB internationals were shown the special moments of the tournament in Germany. Patrick Wimmer’s eyes remained dry, in contrast to those of team manager Ralf Rangnick, “but it was very emotional,” admitted the 23-year-old.

“The defeat against Turkey has left its mark, but we still have to look ahead,” stressed Wimmer. “We now have to continue to show our performances at the European Championships, bring our strengths onto the pitch and prove that we are ready for bigger things.”

The first opportunity to do so will be the Nations League matches on Friday in Ljubljana against Slovenia and on Monday in Oslo against Norway. “The Nations League is a good stopover, something like a new beginning,” said Wimmer. Norway and Slovenia are “very challenging opponents with great individual players.”

Numerous absentees

The Wolfsburg professional has a lot to gain from the competition. “It’s better than just having test matches, you can achieve something. You can win the group, and we want to win the group.” The Lower Austrian is not entirely sure about the complicated format, but one thing is certain: “If we win every game, we’ll be first, and that’s our goal.”

According to Wimmer, the conditions for this are in place. “We are full of anticipation, everyone is ready for the task.” Meeting the ÖFB colleagues again for the first time since the European Championships was “a bit of a strange feeling,” said the offensive player. “Everyone is happy to see everyone again. It’s really great that the whole team is back.”

The joy of the reunion is somewhat dampened by the large number of absentees. “Every absence hurts us, but we have a very good squad across the board. Our game will not change much,” explained Wimmer.

The ÖFB team has personnel problems, particularly in central defence and attack. Wimmer could help – at Wolfsburg, the trained winger recently played as a false nine and then as a striker, due to the system change by coach Ralph Hasenhüttl. “It’s nice when you can concentrate more on the offensive and don’t have to work so far back. But I’m happy when I can be on the pitch, no matter what position,” said the 15-time international (1 goal).