The 65-year-old manager prefers to have a wide selection of players to choose from for Euro 2024 but admitted he doesn’t enjoy having to tell people they haven’t made the final cut.

He told World Soccer magazine: “What I really dread a little bit is, quite honestly, when everyone is fit and we have to cut the squad and I have to tell players in June that there is no place for them.

“That’s not necessarily an enjoyable task, but I prefer it that way rather that not having to think so much.”

Ralf wants his side to show they are one of the “best” teams in the tournament.

Asked his target for the Euros, he said: “Our aim is to be one of the best, or even the best team, on the pitch at the Euros.

“The Austrian national side should be the team against which it is most difficult to score goals or even create chances…

“It’s no secret that one of our greatest strengths is how the team as a whole reacts when the opponent has the ball.”

The manager was encouraged by Austria’s performance against Turkey in March, where they secured a 6-1 victory in the friendly.

He said: “It was a good step that we conceded so little against a team as strong as Turkey.

“That also gives the team a feeling of what they’re capable of.

“As long as we play like this without the ball, it’s very difficult against us, even if some of our key players are missing.”