After a short night, RB Leipzig return to action on Wednesday. The initial anger at narrowly missing out on the win at defending champions Manchester City had long since dissipated – but Xavi is still causing a few worries
After the 3-2 defeat at Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, Marco Rose also emphasized the positive aspects. “We lost a game that we played very well. A lot of the things we had planned worked out,” said Leipzig’s coach, referring in particular to the first half, when his personnel had implemented the compactness, greed and concentration required beforehand to take a surprising 2-0 lead.
It was clear that ManCity would not allow this to happen in the second half. “We knew that we had made them angry and what to expect in the second half,” said Rose. Despite the three goals conceded by the home side, who were overwhelmingly superior in the end, the coach paid his team a “compliment” “for their performance and courageous display, even if we didn’t get anything for it. We take a lot of positives with us. “
In the person of Xavi, however, a dose of uncertainty accompanied Leipzig’s journey home. The Dutchman had to receive treatment after a tackle with Manuel Akanji and was substituted in the 74th minute. His pain-wracked face and the grip on his right shoulder were reminiscent of Dani Olmo’s injury a month ago against 1. FC Köln. The Spaniard had suffered an acromioclavicular joint injury that sealed his first-round exit.
Xavi’s injury does not appear to be that serious. The 20-year-old midfielder was already smiling as he walked through the stadium’s catacombs, and Rose said of the initial diagnosis from the medical department: “The doctor was able to give the all-clear. It was nothing obvious like Dani’s.” However, Xavi, who initially also had circulatory problems, will be fully examined after his return. It will then be clear whether he will be able to return against Heidenheim on Saturday
Haidara deputized for an ailing Henrichs
Rose rated the experiment of bringing on Amadou Haidara as a right wing-back in front of the back three as a success. “He accepted it and did very well for not having played there for a long time,” said the coach of the Malian, who is normally at home on the double six. The transfer had become necessary because Benjamin Henrichs had to miss out due to health problems.
Rose’s plea for Klostermann to stay
Lukas Klostermann, who could also have played on the right flank, was needed by Rose as the defensive leader of the back three and special guard for Erling Haaland. The defender performed this task very reliably for long stretches. How long he will continue to do this for RB remains to be seen, given that his contract expires in the summer. So far, Klostermann has not accepted the offer to extend his contract and the club management wants clarity by the end of the year. Rose reiterated on Tuesday that he would like the international to stay: “Of course I would be delighted if he decided to stay with us. He is an absolute leader. “
