Ralf Rangnick’s time as Manchester United manager may not have produced the silverware fans craved, but it did offer intriguing insights into his tactical acumen and eye for talent. One player who consistently drew praise from the German tactician was none other than Erling Haaland. Now leading the line for Manchester City, Haaland’s prolific goalscoring has taken the Premier League by storm, prompting many to recall Rangnick’s past pronouncements on the Norwegian striker.
A Shared History: From Bundesliga Battles to Premier League Predictions
Rangnick’s admiration for Haaland blossomed during their time in the German Bundesliga. As head coach and sporting director at RB Leipzig, Rangnick witnessed firsthand the devastating potential of a young Haaland honing his skills at Red Bull Salzburg.
“It was clear to everyone that he was a force to be reckoned with,” Rangnick noted in a 2022 interview. “His physicality, his speed, his finishing – it was all there from a very young age.”
Even before Haaland’s move to Borussia Dortmund, Rangnick foresaw a future where the Norwegian would become one of the world’s most coveted strikers. This foresight was evident when, during his brief stint at Manchester United, Rangnick reportedly urged the club to pursue Haaland’s signature.
“A Complete Striker” – Rangnick’s High Praise for Haaland
Rangnick has never shied away from expressing his admiration for Haaland’s abilities. In various interviews and press conferences, he has consistently lauded the striker’s remarkable skillset, often referring to him as a “complete striker.”
“What sets Erling apart is his incredible hunger for goals,” Rangnick once remarked. “He’s not just content with scoring one or two – he wants to score every chance he gets. That mentality, combined with his physical gifts, makes him a truly special talent.”
Tactical Insights: How Rangnick Believes Teams Should Utilize Haaland
Beyond simply praising his talent, Rangnick has also offered valuable insights into how best to utilize a player of Haaland’s caliber. He emphasizes the importance of providing the striker with quality service from wide areas and creating space for him to exploit his exceptional pace.
“Erling thrives on through balls and crosses into the box,” Rangnick explained in a tactical analysis session. “Teams need to play to his strengths and give him opportunities to attack the space behind defenses.”
Rangnick’s insights into Haaland’s game are not merely theoretical musings. They are born from years of experience observing and analyzing the striker’s development. This deep understanding of Haaland’s strengths and weaknesses makes Rangnick’s opinions on the Norwegian particularly noteworthy.