BERLIN: Austria’s national team boss Ralf Rangnick has said he will not take over Bayern Munich next season but will remain in his current role after this summer’s Euro 2024 finals.

Rangnick confirmed last week that Bayern had been in touch in their search for a successor to departing Thomas Tuchel, and German media had reported a deal was imminent.

But he said: “I am national team coach of Austria with all my heart. This task brings me a lot of joy and I am determined to continue down the road we have started.

Rangnick: Content to stay where he is

“I want to clearly stress that this is not a rejection of Bayern Munich but rather a decision for my team and our common goals.

“We are fully focused on the Euro. We will do everything we can to go far.”

The 65-year-old Rangnick, who has coached Manchester United and RB Leipzig among others, looked to be top of the list for the Bavarians, after Julian Nagelsmann had also decided to stay with the German national team.

Bayern, who had won the previous 11 league titles, missed out on this season’s Bundesliga trophy with Bayer Leverkusen securing their first ever league crown five matches before the end of the season last month.

They drew 2-2 at home against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday but Tuchel will leave at the end of the campaign irrespective of their run in Europe.

Austria face France in their opening Euro 2024 Group D match on June 17 and also play Poland and the Netherlands with the tournament being held in Germany.

########