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How Austria will play against France at the EURO

Servus TV experts Florian Klein (left) and Sebastian Prödl spoke plainly above the rooftops of Vienna.

(Bild: Matthias Mödl)

This is how Austria's national soccer team will start against France at the EURO. Read how Servus TV experts Florian Klein and Sebastian Prödl would line up in Düsseldorf on June 17. And how their grading once led to a (slightly indignant) visit from Marko Arnautovic and Marcel Sabitzer immediately after a match.

Former team players Flo Klein and Sebastian Prödl agree on the line-up in almost all positions during the Servus TV interview in Vienna on the roof terrace of The Hoxton Vienna hotel.

Klein and Prödl appreciate the fact that Pentz is very strong with his foot and has excellent reflexes on the line.

(Bild: AFP)

Goal: "Patrick Pentz is our number one at the EURO after Alex Schlager's injury. He is really good with his foot and has strong reflexes on the line. He also has great self-confidence and radiates it."

Kevin Danso is set as a central defender from Prödl and Klein's point of view.

(Bild: Gepa)

Defense: "We would play with a back four. Stefan Posch starts on the right. He had a top season at Bologna and is fully established. Kevin Danso is set as a central defender. He's extremely strong physically and has also developed a lot in terms of opening up play. Next to him we have Max Wöber as a central defender. He's in good form and showed that against Serbia." They don't quite agree on the left-back position. Klein says: "I liked Prass against Serbia, he was very present. Mwene is very lively and technically strong. Prass might even be a better fit against France." Prödl says: "Wöber could also play at left back, then I would put Lienhart in the center. You didn't notice his lack of match practice against Serbia. But I would probably let Mwene play."

From Flo Klein's point of view, Konrad Laimer can replace Xaver Schlager, whose absence is very painful, 1:1 in defensive midfield.

(Bild: GEPA)

Midfield: "In the 4-2-3-1 system, Konrad Laimer and Nicolas Seiwald are set as defensive midfielders." In Klein's view, Laimer can replace the injured Xaver Schlager 1:1: "The way he played against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final was gigantic. He won so many balls and pushed forward. The loss of Xaver is tough on the team, but Konny can fill this role just as well." In attacking midfield, if everyone is fit, the Servus TV experts will line up Sabitzer centrally and Patrick Wimmer and Christoph Baumgartner on the flanks: "Sabi's performance in the Champions League final against Real Madrid was tremendous. The way he dealt with Toni Kroos was really strong. He also set the tone offensively. Baumi is currently in absolute top form in the national team. He's currently our most important player in attack. Patrick is a great footballer and has great creative qualities."

Christoph Baumgartner and Michael Gregoritsch are very important for the national team's offense.

(Bild: Mario Urbantschitsch)

Sturm: "Against France, we would play with just one striker. That's Michael Gregoritsch for us. He's currently in better form than Marko Arnautovic, who can still bring a lot of danger to the game as a joker."

Marko Arnautovic and Marcel Sabitzer were interested in the reasons for Florian Klein and Sebastian Prödl's grades after the 2-0 win against Sweden.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

"The team players are just as interested in the grades as the fans"
The same Marko Arnautovic also came to see Prödl and Klein at the Happel Stadium with Marcel Sabitzer after the 2-0 home win against Sweden in the European Championship qualifier. They had heard about their scoring and wanted an explanation. The two Servus TV experts nodded: "The scores also come to the team players. They are just as interested as the fans in how we justify it."

Ralf Rangnick has a clear plan for the EURO.

(Bild: APA/EVA MANHART)

Rangnick gives the team the feeling that they can beat any opponent"
Klein and Prödl have a very strong opinion of team boss Ralf Rangnick: "Under him, all the players have a huge amount of self-confidence. He gives the team the feeling that they can beat any opponent. Everyone knows exactly what their job is. Ralf Rangnick has a very precise plan for this EURO."