Bundesliga - Like in the best screenplay: Forsberg's farewell show
On the lap of honor, Emil Forsberg could no longer hold back his tears accompanied by the sounds of Frank Sinatra's "New York". At the same time, his most important goals in nine years at RB Leipzig were shown on the stadium screens. "The trip was incredible. I am simply very grateful. It was an honor to play here. I love this club, this city, the fans," said Forsberg after his gala performance in the 3:1 (1:1) win over TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. It was a magnificent final act that no screenwriter could have written in a more stirring way. The 32-year-old Swede himself played the leading role with his opening goal just 4:31 minutes after coming on as a substitute.
"Emil is incredible. He gets in there, takes control of the game and scores the goal. That's just Emil. He's always scored the important goals," said teammate Kevin Kampl, who, like his teammates, was overwhelmed: "You imagine a lot of things going your way. But he deserves a farewell like this, for a legend to say goodbye like this is special."
Forsberg's last home game turned into a great show: first he put RB ahead when he took a long pass in the penalty area in the best possible manner and hammered it into the corner (71'), then Forsberg hit the crossbar with his far post after a corner, and Mohamed Simakan (74') chased the rebounding ball over the line in front of 42,946 spectators. Forsberg's farewell evening, which Lukas Klostermann (34 minutes) initiated with his first goal of the season, was thus perfect.
After nine years at RB Leipzig, he is moving to his sister club in New York, where he has signed a contract until 2026 including an option for a further year. He will be coached there by Rose buddy Sandro Schwarz from January 1. "One of them is a top coach, a great guy, I think the two of them are a good match. And that they also have plans in New York, Emil isn't going there to train," said Rose and emphasized: "The symbiosis could work very well." Rose praised above all the human qualities of Forsberg and Schwarz, who watched the Swede's 71st RB goal in his 324th competitive match in the stands alongside New York sporting director Jochen Schneider.
Even a starting appearance on Tuesday (18:30/Sky) in Bremen would be okay for the Leipzig head coach. "We've got a very narrow corridor right now, now we'll see how we can bend it until Tuesday. And if Emil is up for it, then there's nothing to stop him starting again." He did not want to talk about possible successors. That evening, the stage belonged to the Swede alone.
Looking back, Forsberg, who joined Leipzig in the second division from Malmö FF in the winter of 2015, said that all of Ralf Rangnick's prophecies had come true. "It's turned out exactly as he predicted," said the Swedish international, summing up: "It's been a wonderful few years, two cup wins at the end, we play Champions League every year. That was the goal here. Everything I imagined has happened."
Up until his substitution, it was a game of patience for the German cup winners - despite Klostermann taking the lead when he volleyed a rebounded ball into the net from two meters. However, the goal was more of a wake-up call for Hoffenheim. After a free-kick, Ozan Kabak (42) headed in the equalizer. RB keeper Janis Blaswich, who was running out, failed to catch the ball. Before the half-time whistle, Kevin Vogt rammed over the otherwise pale Lois Openda in the penalty area without any chance of getting the ball, and Leipzig vehemently demanded a penalty - to no avail.
After the changeover, Baumann was powerless to stop a shot by Xavi Simons (50') from a good 16 meters, but the ball bounced back into the pitch from the inside of the post. Leipzig continued to struggle to build up play. That changed with Forsberg, who received a hug from Rose before being substituted. A chant of "Here we go" rang out in front of the stands. And the Forsberg show began.
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- In the Bundesliga, Kevin Kampl consistently showcases his skills with RB Leipzig, just like his Swedish teammate Emil Forsberg.
- After his stellar performance in RB Leipzig, Emil Forsberg is set to join his sister club in Saxony, specifically in the city of Leipzig, New York.
- Forsberg's new coach in New York will be Sandro Schwarz, a former teammate and close friend.
- Lukas Klostermann, a defender for RB Leipzig, played a significant role in Emil Forsberg's farewell game, scoring the team's first goal of the season.
- As Forsberg embraced his farewell, the sounds of Frank Sinatra's "New York" filled the stadium, evoking a sense of nostalgia and emotion.
- Bundesliga champions TSG 1899 Hoffenheim faced RB Leipzig in what proved to be a memorable game, with Forsberg scoring the opening goal just minutes after substitution.
- In the same match, Emil Forsberg's significant goals from his nine-year tenure at RB Leipzig were showcased on the stadium screens, eliciting cheers and applause from the crowd.
- Prepared to continue his successful career in Germany, Forsberg expressed his gratitude to the club, city, and fans for their unwavering support over the years.
- Players and coaches alike paid tribute to Forsberg, highlighting his impact and influence on the team and the league, praising him as a legend.
- The Bundesliga saw a showcase of raw emotion and talent during Emil Forsberg's emotional farewell game, drawing comparisons to a masterfully written screenplay.
Source: www.stern.de
