Ralf Rangnick surprised supporters on Tuesday night when he rode a bike across the pitch before Austria’s World Cup qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The 67-year-old, who endured a turbulent six-month spell as Manchester United’s interim manager, was filmed pedalling onto the turf at the Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica.
He first arrived on two wheels to conduct a pre-match interview with Austrian broadcaster ORF, before cycling again at half-time on his way to the dressing room.
There was a clear reason, as Rangnick is still recovering from ankle surgery after complications in the summer and opted to ride instead of hobbling, even joking afterwards: ‘The walk would have been a bit far otherwise.’
In July, the German was forced back into hospital when an initial operation became infected, requiring further treatment and a period of careful rehabilitation.
He later offered reassurance by insisting he was ‘taking small steps’ and that his recovery was progressing, although he continues to limit strain on the ankle.
Rangnick has led Austria since 2022, guiding them to the last-16 at Euro 2024 after topping a group containing France, the Netherlands and Poland.
This week’s unusual entrance came ahead of another crucial clash, with Austria chasing a first World Cup appearance since 1998 and momentum already building behind the team.
His side delivered, with Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer on target in a 2-1 victory, while Edin Dzeko briefly equalised for Bosnia.
Rangnick has 21 wins in 37 games with Austria, having also managed Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig, Schalke, Stuttgart and Hannover, and he turned down Bayern Munich in 2024.
