Austria is back, and they haven’t come to the World Cup just to put up numbers. Central defender and leader, Kevin Denso, embodies the ambitions of a team dreaming of being a dangerous outsider, especially in front of Flashscore.
The Tottenham central defender is calmly facing perhaps the most important tournament of his life. There was a quiet confidence in his mentality: Austria has not come merely to survive.
Flashscore: Kevin, in a few weeks you’ll be playing in the World Cup. When you hear these words today, what is the first feeling that comes to your mind?
Denso: “Very proud. When you’re a kid, the World Cup is your biggest dream. I’ve worked my whole life to experience moments like this. Today, I mostly feel gratitude to everyone who helped me get here, but also a lot of excitement at the idea of representing my country on the biggest stage in world football.”
Austria is back in the World Cup after a wait of 28 years. Do you feel particularly passionate about this generation?
“Yes, of course. We know we have a chance to write an important chapter in Austrian football history. There is a lot of excitement around this team because people feel there is something special about this group. We have talent, but above all, real unity and a strong collective mentality.”
Do you think this World Cup is coming at the best moment of your career?
“I think so. I’ve had different experiences in multiple leagues, and each step has helped me grow. Today, I feel more complete, more mature, and calmer than ever before. I’m confident in my abilities, but also confident in the experience I’ve gained over the past few years.”
Do you see yourself as a leader in this group?
“I’m not a guy who just talks for the sake of talking. I mainly try to lead every day with my work, my attitude and example on the field. With experience, you naturally take on more responsibility. If I can help the younger players or bring stability to the group, I do it happily.”
What is the identity of the Austria national team today?
“Our identity is based on intensity, courage and collective discipline. We are a team that works incredibly hard for each other. No one is above the group. We want to be aggressive in a positive way, press high, play with energy and set our own pace.”
What has changed since Ralph Rangnick arrived?
“He brought a very clear philosophy. Every player knows what is expected of him. He gave us a strong identity and an ambitious mindset. He constantly pushes us to step out of our comfort zone and make us believe that we can compete with the best countries.”
How would you describe your playing style?
“I like to defend by going forward. I am a player who enjoys duels, who likes to defend his team and impose a physical presence. But modern football also demands a lot of composure on the ball and good decision-making. So I try to combine aggression from the back, defensive intelligence and quality in creation.”
What would a successful World Cup look like for Austria?
“The first step is obviously to get out of our group, but we don’t want to set any limits for ourselves. In a tournament like the World Cup, when you have a united and ambitious group, anything is possible. We respect every team, but we are going there with the ambition to achieve something great for our country.”
Follow Austria’s first match with FlashScore.
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