“It’s all about feeling positive”

Fourth against first!

RB Leipzig get the second half of their Bundesliga campaign underway on Saturday (18:30 CET) when they welcome BayerLeverkusen to the Red Bull Arena.

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How has training gone this week? What does MarcoRose think of Saturday’s opponents? And who’s fit for the match?

Marco Rose answered all that and much more in Thursday’s press conference. We’ve summarised all of Marco’s most important quotes below.
 

Team news | 18. JANUARY

• Willi Orban continues to work towards his comeback and completed parts of Tuesday’s training session (i.e warm-up and passing drills) with the rest of the squad. RBL’s captain won’t be available for the game at the weekend, however.
   
• Amadou Haidara has travelled with the Mali national football team to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Suspensions

• Lois Openda, Xavi and Mo Simakan have picked up four yellow cards in the Bundesliga this season and will receive a one-match ban if they’re booked again.

Find all the latest squad news here.
 

Marco Rose on…

…Bayer 04 Leverkusen

His expectations for the game

• “We know what to expect. They brought in a lot of reinforcements in summer and really found their rhythm before the winter break. We’re well prepared for their style of play and know what they’re planning on doing, but they’re still hard to defend against.”
   

Leverkusen’s absentees

• “Even though they’re missing one or two good players who are at AFCON, Leverkusen’s game plan will remain the same. Their squad is really well put together and they have a lot of options.

  They’re missing two of their key men at the back in Kossounou and Tapsoba, but Tah, Stanisic and Hincapie can all step up and fill those positions. They’ll be absolutely fine. Up front, they’ll also be able to count on Patrik Schick, who is fit and firing again.

  They’ll still be playing at a high level. Their fullbacks – Grimaldo and Frimpong – are key to the way they play. They can assist goals, as well as score themselves, and both of them will be playing at the weekend.”
   

The gameplan against Leverkusen

• “We want to dominate the game and have a lot of the ball. We know how important it’s going to be to keep things tight. Up top, it’s all about taking our chances. Leverkusen have only conceded 12 goals so far this season. It’s not going to be easy, but we’re backing ourselves. We know we have the quality to come out on top in front of a home crowd.”
   
• “We watched the first match of the season again and analysed it. It was a great game that could’ve gone either way. We had our moments, they had their moments. It was very open.

  For us, it’s a case of making the most of our moments and feeling good about ourselves. It’s all about feeling positive.” 
   

Marco Rose on…

…Xabi Alonso

• “His development as a coach has been fantastic. I’m happy that he’s been successful. He’s a great guy but, above all, he’s a winner.

  He’d do anything to win. He radiates that aura. He’s passed this winning DNA, which he doubtless picked up during his playing days, down to his team. His side also play attractive football.”
   

Marco Rose on…

…Dani Olmo

• “You don’t get many players that have the quality he has, even in the top European leagues. He’s an extraordinary footballer who’s unbelievably talented.

  Dani has the ability to dictate games and can single-handedly decide them. In addition to his quality as a player, his great character also makes him stand out. He’s fun on and off the pitch.

  We’re happy that he managed to make his comeback against Frankfurt. He’s massively important to the team and to the club.”