Football
Mark Rodden 8y

Marcel Koller to hold Austria talks amid Borussia Monchengladbach links

Austria manager Marcel Koller has confirmed that he will discuss his future with the country amid reported interest from German side Borussia Monchengladbach.

Koller, 54, had been linked with Gladbach after leading Austria to Euro 2016 as Group G winners.

The former Switzerland international's side went through qualifying unbeaten with nine wins and one draw to finish ahead of Russia, Sweden and Montenegro.

It is the first time that Austria have qualified for a major tournament since 1998 and the only time they have ever qualified for a European Championship, having previously co-hosted Euro 2008 along with Switzerland.

The Austrian Football Association (OFB) is desperate to keep Koller, whose contract expires after next summer's tournament in France.

Speaking after Austria's 3-0 win over Liechtenstein in their final qualifying match on Monday, Koller said he would sit down to hear what the OFB has to offer.

"We have arranged a meeting," the former Vfl Bochum boss said. "As things stand though, I'm not in such a hurry."

OFB president Leo Windtner had not wanted to discuss the managerial situation ahead of Austria's final two qualifying matches this month.

Also speaking after Monday's game, he heaped praise on Koller, who has appointed coach of Austria in October 2011.

"Marcel Koller has definitely done the job that we expected of him," Windtner said.

"From great and individual personalities, he has formed a collective that are as thick as thieves."

With Euro 2016 to look forward to, Windtner says the OFB will now try to persuade Koller to stay on and attempt to guide Austria to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

"We will do everything to try and keep Koller," he said. "Whether it works or not, we'll have to find out."

Gladbach are on the lookout for a new manager after Lucien Favre stepped down last month.

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