Two games, two defeats: RB Leipzig have made a mess of their start to the Champions League season. Coach Jesse Marsch bemoans the lack of consistency after the 1:2 against Club Brugge.
“We’re either playing very well or very poorly,” the US American summed up after the home defeat to the Belgians. “We need to be more consistent.” An unleashed 6:0 against Hertha BSC was followed by disappointment against Brugge. It seemed as if RB would be able to seamlessly continue their performance in the league when the current top scorer, Christopher Nkunku, scored the quick 1:0. And this after a beautifully performed relay through several direct stations (5th).
However, such attacking moves were to be a rarity against the brisk visitors, and the Saxons quickly lost the thread. Marsch told DAZN that his team had acted “totally hectically” despite the lead, “we lost a lot of balls”. The 47-year-old analysed that ball losses in midfield had led to both goals conceded. At the time of going to the dressing room, Leipzig were trailing 1-2 after goals by Hans Vakanen (22nd) and Mats Rits (40th).
No compelling chances in half two
“I told the boys at the break that they had to play more calmly so that we could find the spaces.” It got better in the second half, said Marsch, “we were calmer and had chances”. But when you get right down to it, not a single really compelling one.
With zero points, Leipzig are at the bottom of Group A behind Manchester City (three), who lost 2-0 at Paris St Germain in the parallel match. PSG lead the table with four points ahead of Brugge, who are level on points.
