German soccer coach Mertesacker offered insight into what Man Utd can expect from Ralph Rangnick, with the former Arsenal and Germany defender describing the head coach as an amazing role model.
A little about the topic
Ralf prepares for his first game leading the Man Utd first team against Crystal Palace on Sunday, being drafted to replace Solskjaer on a temporary basis earlier this month. The German arrived in England with a reputation for being a master tactician and motivator, and Per Mertesacker is the last high-profile figure to give him glowing support.
What did Per say about Ralf Rangnick?
Per Mertesacker recalled the moment when Ralf handed him his professional debut when they were in Hanover in 2003. Per revealed that his compatriot has always emphasized the importance of getting a top-notch education to match his player skills while speaking at the TGG Youth Development Webinar last week. The former Arsenal defender said he has several stories about Rangnick because he gave him his debut as a Bundesliga player, as a right-back.
Per struggled hard and was blown up 45 minutes later. Sometimes it was Rangnick. Ralf Rangnick was the same guy who went to his school with him and said that Mertesacker is a really good footballer, but he will finish his A-Levels. they need to find a balance between football and school. This was when Per’s was 19. According to Per Mertesacker, he will never forget that he went to his school with him, that he gave him the real idea that this should be the best pro. When Per looks back, those moments make him, not bend over.
Ralf Rangnick really cared about a young guy who made a couple of small mistakes but was critical on the way forward. Per finished his A-Levels, laid it all down, and then started a career. Per’s second appearance was six months later, so he struggled a lot. When will his next chance come? Ralf gave him his next chance when it was his last game for Hanover.
According to Mertesacker, Ralf Rangnick planted him because he knew this would probably be his last game, you are a young player and that really helped Per when the next meeting came. You kind of trust the last team that played. And Ralf gave him a platform. Rangnick was decisive for him, Ralf was an amazing role model. Once Ralf Rangnick left, he kind of left him an open field with the knowledge that Ralf gave him. Since then, they have always kept in touch.