We spoke to Willi Orban about his role as a leader in the dressing room, his relationship with head coach Marco Rose and RB Leipzig’s aims for the season. Our number 4 also tells us about how he is still champing at the bit after nine years with the club.
Eight years of Willi Orban at RB Leipzig
Willi, you’re going into your ninth campaign as an RB Leipzig player. How are you feeling ahead of the new season?
- “The team’s definitely gone through a bit of a rebuild. There are a few new faces in the squad, but I think that it’ll be a great season. Now, it’s a case of integrating the new recruits, settling as a unit, and getting some good results on the pitch as quickly as possible.”
How do you manage to keep your motivation levels up for medicals and training camps?
- “Due to the fantastic conditions, my great teammates and the excellent coaching staff, I don’t find it difficult to motivate myself for the upcoming season. I just feel great. I’m like fine wine: only getting better with age. I’m looking forward to building on my good performances from last season.
I think that I’m in my prime. I’m well acquainted with my body and know exactly when I need to set myself certain challenges to be able to perform to the very best of my ability if push comes to shove.”
What was your first impression of the new arrivals?
- “The new arrivals all have a lot of potential and are excellent footballers. Fabio Carvalho and Xavi Simons are players that are insanely good on the ball and are always looking to go on a run. We’ve given ourselves a lot more options up front too, with the additions of Lois Openda’s pace and Benjamin Sesko’s physicality.
El Chadaille Bitshiabu also has a very good attitude. Even though he’s still very young, he’s strong. Unfortunately,he’s picked up an injury, but we’re all going to get behind him and help him feel like a part of the team.”
How do you see your role within the team for the upcoming season?
- “I love taking on responsibility. You need players like that in every club, but, at the end of the day, you need everyone to perform well on the pitch. I try to bring my A-game to matches, so I can lead by example on the pitch. Off the pitch, I try to communicate a lot and to help the boys with specific drills.”
What are you aiming to achieve with Leipzig in the upcoming season?
- “It’s obviously still very early days and difficult to say how quickly we can produce the right results with our new recruits. However, we have very high expectations – we want to win games, qualify for the Champions League, and ultimately compete for the title.
The Supercup is the first real test of the season. We are here to win titles and have the opportunity to win a trophy in our first game of the season against Bayern. Collecting every point possible from the offset is vital for our team morale. Our preparation is critical, but luck is also a factor.”
This is your first pre-season with Marco Rose. What’s your relationship like with the head coach?
- “Marco’s such a cool guy who can talk to anyone about anything. He does, however, know when to be strict in training, which is a quality that I value in a coach. We get on really well with each other and communicate a lot both on and off the pitch. Working with him is so much fun.”
You’re on track to become the third player to make 300 competitive appearances for RB Leipzig. What do the club and the city mean to you?
- “I’ve been in Leipzig for nine years now and it’s always felt right. I’m thrilled to be a part of RBL and to write history with this club.”