Bantams boss Graham Alexander on Austrian blueprint

City fans should be minded, too, to have a close look at the Group D game between Austria and the Netherlands.

Alexander has been a keen student of the international drama unfolding in Germany, learning from as well as enjoying the matches on offer.

And the Bantams chief has been particularly keen to view Austria’s performances – a team who set up with a formation and style that he can identify with.

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The energetic, high press of Ralf Rangnick’s men is something of a blueprint for Alexander’s ambitions with City.

“Ralf Rangnick took over and turned them into a pressing machine,” said the Valley Parade boss. “He’s turned their results round.

“I’ve made time to watch their games, particularly the first one against France, to see how they went up against a technically superior team.

“Their attitude was absolutely magnificent. They were right at it.

“I was watching that to see how they get their press and shape right.

“But I do that all the time. I’ve looked at other teams that have been playing 3-5-2 and similar to our shape.

“It’s always important to try and take things from what you see – set-pieces, how teams defend, all sort of things like that.”

Elite European football and the rough and tumble of League Two might feel worlds away but Alexander believes there is useful homework to be had as City take their first steps of pre-season.

“Obviously there’s a little bit of difference with things like VAR. You can hold (defensive) lines more confidently with that aspect.

“But, without a doubt, you’re looking at games and trying to learn from them. Certainly, if there are teams playing in a similar way to you and with similar attributes.

“It’s really good to see if there are things you can take from that. I think all coaches do it.

“None of us are sitting there thinking we’ve invented the wheel. We take bits and pieces from each other and look around for little ideas.

Austria boss Ralf Rangnick with Christoph Baumgartner (Image: AP Photo)

“You’re watching it and almost shoehorning your player into that scenario.

“You look at the centre forward but you’re thinking about your centre forward in that situation.

“I watched the game between Portugal and Czech Republic because they were both playing with a back three and wing backs.

“It’s just really helpful when they are playing the same formation as ourselves. You’ll see something similar to what we do, there’s always a good comparison.”

The players can also gen up on how those in the top level perform in their positions.

“Players will be doing the same when they are watching the games,” added Alexander. “They’ll be sat there thinking, ‘we do a little bit of this’.

“If they’ve got anything about them, they’ll be learning as well.

“I think it’s important for any manager and any player, however experienced, that they should be looking at individuals playing their position and taking bits of quality from them.”