‘Much better’… Ralf Rangnick says Leeds United 26-year-old changed the game for his country

Add as preferred source on Google

When Max Wober left Leeds United, he cited the need to do so to keep his Euro 2024 hopes alive with Austria. The move earned criticism from Leeds fans – but his reasons for it are ringing true.

The 26-year-old had only joined Leeds in January 2023 from Salzburg, another reunion between Jesse Marsch and a new singing, after the likes of Rasmus Kristensen, Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson.

Wober returned to Leeds in the summer and was expected to stay put. He even captained Leeds in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Barnsley. But, as soon as Gladbach came in, Wober was leaving.

Ironically, joining Daniel Farke’s old side. He said playing at the top level ahead of Euro 2024 was behind his decision to leave Leeds. Since, he has played 23 times for Gladbach, first choice when available.

Ralf Rangnick: Leeds man Max Wober changed game for Austria

He has largely impressed. But in doing so, he has surely burnt bridges with Leeds – even if he did only just join the club. A lot of it could depend on whether Leeds gain promotion, or stay in the second tier.

On the international stage, his decision to leave Leeds and join Gladbach on loan – despite leaving an ill-feeling at his parent club – seems to have worked. He is a key player for Austria under Ralf Rangnick.

Wober has started three of the last five Austria games, coming on in the other two – the latter of which was Saturday’s 2-0 friendly win over Slovakia. Austria went into the break 1-0 up, but not at their best.

Rangnick brought Wober on at half-time, and he told Laola1 that Wober’s introduction helped change the game for Austria – with West Brom’s Andi Weimann making it 2-0 inside the final 10 minutes of play.

“We did much better in the second half. That was the reaction we wanted. That also had to do with the subs. With Maxi Wöber we had a left-footed central defender, which was good for our build-up game.”

Will Max Wober be a Leeds United player next season?

As things stand, yes. Leeds could do with him, too. Liam Cooper is due to leave – with his contract set to expire. But, he left Leeds last summer at the drop of a hat and that has not been forgotten by us fans.

Those that sued Victor Orta’s ridiculous relegation loan clause are not held in good stead. Of the eight, Robin Koch and Luis Sinisterra have already agreed permanent moves. The other six, need to be agreed.

Jack Harrison, Diego Llorente, Kristensen, Marc Roca, Aaronson and Wober. Graeme Bailey told us at LeedsUnited.News that there is interest from Gladbach to do a deal permanently, for the left-footer.