RB Leipzig wants to "make life difficult for Real"

Draw - RB Leipzig wants to "make life difficult for Real"

On the trip to tranquil Bremen, the royals were the number one topic of conversation among the Leipzigers. RB will once again face Real Madrid in the Champions League. However, there has never been a round of 16 tie against the Spaniards in the knockout round. "Especially now, when you have the draw in mind, it's important to prepare for Werder Bremen. That will be another important step for us, simply the 32 points with three on top would be a top first round for us," said sporting director Rouven Schröder and gave an insight while watching the draw together in Nyon, Switzerland: "The boys' reaction was total enthusiasm. Because it's simply an ambitious goal."

They had already faced Real in the group stage last season. After a 2-0 defeat at the then defending champions, RB managed a 3-2 win at home, with Timo Werner and the now-departed Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City) and Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea FC) scoring. According to Schröder, Leipzig are ready this time too: "As an ambitious opponent, we will make life difficult for them and not be awestruck," emphasized Schröder.

The 48-year-old left it open as to whether a successor to Emil Forsberg will be in place in Leipzig by the time the first legs are played on February 13/14/20/21. "We're thinking about it, the winter transfer window isn't that easy. We are fully involved in the issues and will weigh up everything, because it is clear that he should take us forward," said the sporting director ahead of the Swede's 325th and last competitive match in an RB shirt this Tuesday (18:30/Sky) in Bremen.

Rose wants to hide the stress of the last few weeks. "It feels like we're in good shape. We've won three Bundesliga games in a row and want to go one better," said Rose, warning in particular about Werder striker Marvin Duksch: "He has an outstanding foot and has become an international again in his old age."

Despite the injury misery with defender Willi Orban and playmaker Dani Olmo, Rose believes his team is well on target after the personnel bloodletting in the summer. "At the moment, we can speak of a successful turnaround," said the 47-year-old on Monday. "The results are proving us right. But I know how it works. If one or two results don't come, questions will be asked. I don't want to paint the world pink because I've been around long enough." In the areas in which you move, "the air is mega-thin".

He also doesn't want to start a discussion about goalkeepers, but is also counting on competition in this position. Janis Blaswich will be back in goal for Leipzig in Bremen, although the 32-year-old has had a few slip-ups recently. Rose strengthened his number one. "I won't let myself drift as a coach," emphasized Rose. "Janis is still the same great goalkeeper he was four weeks ago." The coach wants Blaswich to remain courageous. He still wants competition with former captain Peter Gulacsi, who has recovered from a cruciate ligament rupture: "But that doesn't mean there are any doubts about Janis."

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