After 102 caps, BVB star Sabitzer makes surprise decision | OneFootball

After intense years, Marcel Sabitzer has made a far-reaching decision. After 102 appearances for the Austrian national team, the BVB star is drawing consequences for the time being.

Marcel Sabitzer is stepping back from the Austrian national team for now. Following talks with head coach Ralf Rangnick, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder has decided to take a break. Whether the 32-year-old will return to the ÖFB team afterward is to be decided at the beginning of next year.

The main reason behind the decision is the heavy workload of recent years. Sabitzer pointed to an almost nonstop schedule with both club and country. BVB also face numerous matches this season in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League.

“I am 32 years old, I still want to play football at the highest level for several more years, and I have to manage my energy carefully,” Sabitzer explained. That is why he wants to leave his future with the national team open for the time being. With Rangnick, he said, “in trusting and open talks, we agreed that I would take a break now and that at the beginning of next year we will discuss whether I will return to the national team for EURO qualifying.”

BVB pro Sabitzer: Return for Austria remains possible

Austria will therefore initially have to do without one of its most experienced players. Sabitzer has made 102 international appearances so far and scored 27 goals. He ranks fourth on Austria’s all-time appearances list. He is just one more cap away from drawing level with Andreas Herzog.

Photo: IMAGO

Rangnick reacted with understanding to his veteran’s decision. He said he could “fully understand” Sabitzer’s reasoning. At the same time, the national coach by no means sees the door to a later return as closed. “In any case, I’m pleased that Marcel will in principle be available again when we need him. That shows me how important the national team still is to him,” said Rangnick.

As a result, Sabitzer will miss the upcoming Nations League fixtures. How Austria will cope with the absences in personnel terms may become clear as early as Monday (14 September), when Rangnick is set to announce his squad for the upcoming international matches.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.