Finally home game again!
Ahead of 1. FSV Mainz 05’s visit to Leipzig for Matchday 27 of the Bundesliga on Saturday afternoon (3:30 p.m.), RBL head coach Marco Rose spoke to the media on Good Friday.
You can find Marco’s words below.
The press conference in full
Team News | March 29th
- Amadou Haidara will not be available against Mainz 05 due to suspension.
- Lukas Klostermannand Willi Orban, are available again.
- David Raum and Lois Openda each have four yellow cards. If they are booked on Saturday, they will miss the away game at SC Freiburg .
More News
Tickets for Saturday!
Information
Marco Rose on…
…1. FSV MAINZ 05
- “Mainz have a good team, they have developed an identity for themselves over the years. This means defending aggressively and courageously while still finding good tactical solutions. They have stabilised under the new coach, although they play in the same system as under the previous coach. The fact that we weren’t so successful against Mainz recently should spur us on. We have a home game in front of our fans and we want to win the game.
We know that Mainz have a good set-piece taker in Nadiem Amiri. We conceded a goal against Köln from a dead ball situation, but we have improved when it comes to defending set pieces and are also dangerous ourselves.
I believe the 05ers will stay in the league. What Mainz produce on the pitch is very good. We recognise they have their problems, but also a lot of good processes. They are very fluid, play very intensively, and have good footballers like Amiri, Barreiro and Lee, especially in the centre. We need the points on Saturday. After that, I will thank the club and the city of Mainz for keeping the class.”
…Replacing Haidara
- “The decision falls between Nicolas Seiwald and Kevin Kampl. We know the qualities of the two players. We also know what makes them different. We have to see what works best against Mainz. No final decision has been made yet.”
…Several defensive options
- “It’s my job to moderate it. I have a lot of good guys and ambitious guys who don’t like sitting on the bench. That’s how it has to be! There should be a trusting relationship in which people are open and honest with each other.
I am very happy with the players I have. Our squad is actually quite small, but very close in terms of quality. Everyone accepts their situation and everyone wants to be successful together.”
…Lois Openda and Belgium
- “ Lois is a good player who believes in himself. We talk a lot. He knows that he still has room for improvement in some areas. We can work on his finishing technique and headers. But he has something that you can’t learn: he has the necessary speed.
That’s why he scores so many goals. 19 goals in 26 Bundesliga games – that’s an extraordinary rate! It is not always easy for national coaches to include the players, who come together every few months, into a team in which everyone’s qualities can be showcased. Lois also has Romelu Lukaku ahead of him in Belgium.
…Xavi and The Netherlands
- “Even with Xavi, I don’t see it being that bad that things aren’t going well in the national team. You have to remember that the boy is 20. The qualities he shows here with us are extraordinary. He is a player who creates space and is successful in one-on-one situations.
He has found his role here, but he is also willing to learn and listen. He is doing well. I am sure he will be a great player for The Netherlands. Sometimes it takes a little time and patience and the media should have that with such a great footballer.
I spoke and also wrote to Xavi. My advice was to listen to the national coach and take things in your stride. He will have other coaches in his career. As a player, it is always important to implement things and still bring in your qualities. Xavi is ready for that.”
…Germany in form
- “The boys played really well in both games. We all knew that we had good footballers in our country. I think it was a good decision to bring Toni Kroos back.
These performances leave you wanting more. Our two boys Benjamin Henrichs and David Raum had fun, even though they only had a little playing time. But they reported a good mood and a good spirit. This is the basis for a successful tournament. We should stay positive and all look forward to this tournament.”