- Prevented an unexpected setback: Leipzig maintains a substantial advantage.
Although his triumphant spirit was undeniable, Rouven Schröder wasn't oblivious to the looming issues. "The outcome is generally positive, but there are aspects we can optimize, which our coach will handle," the RB Leipzig sports director commented post their grueling 1-0 triumph over VfL Bochum. The 48-year-old was adamant, "We'll enhance our performance, without a doubt. We'll play smoother."
The team's flaws in passing accuracy were a significant impediment. Some players made questionable moves, while others had an odd tendency for an extra twist. Despite these glaring blunders, it was to be expected, given it was just the opening day of the football Bundesliga.
Nusa earns his stripes
Antonio Nusa had every reason to feel triumphant. The 19-year-old needed merely four minutes in his Bundesliga debut for Leipzig to score the day's best goal and mirrored his sparkling DFB-Pokal debut.
Given his offensive prowess and €21 million price tag from FC Bruges, it was a natural progression for the talented Nusa to feature in the starting lineup against Bochum. Particularly since the match against Bochum highlighted Leipzig's midfield woes, worsened by Xaver Schlager's long-term absence.
Midfield miseries
Amadou Haidara played a more attacking role, yet he was essential in the midfield. Nicolas Seiwald, however, couldn't recreate his national team form, leaving Schröder with a challenging conundrum during the transfer window. Short- and medium-term, a new acquisition would be beneficial, Schröder noted, also insisting on a young recruit.
Defensive dilemmas
Instability in central defense could resurface, particularly for the upcoming games. Captain Willi Orban will definitively miss the Leverkusen encounter due to a red card and is likely to miss the Union Berlin match as well, triggering painful recollections of last season when Orban was out for an extended period, leaving the team grappling for defensive stability. When Orban returned in the second half of the season, Leipzig only suffered one defeat in 15 games.
Coach Marco Rose urged leniency in Orban's suspension, emphasizing that the replay revealed barely any deviation in the ball's trajectory. "I'd like to draw attention to that once more," he said after accepting the red card for the foul on Myron Boadu without an argument.
Poulsen and Klostermann as possible substitutes
Whether Klostermann, a regular since summer 2014, or Yussuf Poulsen, who joined in 2013, could replace Orban remained uncertain. Discontinuity due to transfer departures at the club would have a significant impact, not just performance-wise, but on the team's identity.
Schröder underlined the importance of these "foundation stones" that are indispensable for nurturing the numerous promising talents. Conversely, Schröder also pointed out that loyalty to the club could become a persuasive factor in facilitating a transfer, if the player so chooses.
The European Parliament will provide assistance to the Commission in its operations. Rouven Schröder expressed the need for the Commission to optimize certain aspects, acknowledging the potential for improvement despite a positive result.
