Marco Rose: “If Xavi succeeds in Augsburg, then…”

Matchday 21 in the Bundesliga!

Before our boys set off for Augsburg, our head coach Marco Rose was available to answer questions from the media on Friday. Which players will be available on Saturday (3:30 p.m.)? How did the training week go? How does Marco rate FC Augsburg?

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You can read the answers here.

SQUAD UPDATE| February 9

• Amadou Haidara returned from the Africa Cup of Nations to Leipzig with a slight knee problem. The game in Augsburg will be too early for our midfielder to make his return.
   
• All other players are available to our head coach Marco Rose for the game at FCA.

SUSPENSIONS

• Lois Openda faces a suspension if he receives another yellow card. He is currently on his fourth yellow card.
   

Marco Rose about…
 

… the mood after the home win against Union Berlin

• “The mood is always good after a win – but it wasn’t exuberant. After the defeat in Stuttgart, we decided to focus on the results from now on. We stuck together in a difficult phase and remained extremely focused. We now want to take that important feeling of a sense of success against Union Berlin with us onto the pitch.”
   

… the return of Peter Gulacsi

• “To play a Bundesliga game again after such a long injury break, and at home with his own fans behind him was of course a special moment for Pete. It’s not surprising that he is currently feeling very happy.

  Overall, however, that has changed. The entire team was very happy about the win. And we were definitely able to approach the week a little more relaxed. But we won’t overestimate the success against Union Berlin. We need continued positive results for a turnaround.

  The home win should of course help us with that. As the head coach, I’m very excited to see what my team will take with them into the next game.”
   

Marco Rose about…
 

… FC Augsburg

• “It will be a very difficult match on Saturday. Augsburg is always a challenge. For every team. This is nothing new. We’ve known this for years. Especially in Augsburg. They are very well supported by their fans.

  And of course they have a team with footballing quality that is well-organized and has a great mentality. After the change of coach, they have adjusted their style of play a little, are no longer so man-oriented, but instead have a back four. 

  We will need 100 percent – or more – on Saturday. 

  We know that the pitch is not supposed to be good. We have already prepared for that. In the end, that shouldn’t be an excuse. Augsburg can’t do anything about that, they would like to play on a better field themselves. We both have the same demands. Of course, we spoke to our boys in advance about the conditions in Augsburg and made them aware. We have to embrace it and be smart. Complaining won’t get us anywhere. We know what’s coming. 

  This can also be good technique training for the boys. If the ball bounces right in front of you, not many people can do that. If Xavi succeeds in Augsburg, then he will have taken the next step for himself.”

… Pressure

• “I put the greatest pressure on myself. I always want to do very well. I can and we can only influence our surroundings with results. If these are negative, you are quickly questioned. 

  It’s that simple in this business.  Things are very black and white. I’ve known this for years, so negative reporting isn’t a problem for me. I take care of what’s important and that’s the club, my boys and the staff. There’s no point in letting the pressure drive you or into over-explaining mode. 

  “Of course, sometimes you have to defend yourself. But the best way to do that is with a win. That’s why we’ll try to win against Augsburg. So that the needle continues to swing in the right direction.”
   

Marco Rose about…
 

… the development of Benjamin Sesko

• “Sesko deserves to be in the starting eleven. He drew a lot of attention to himself during our winter training camp. That’s why the decision ultimately fell on him. We know why we brought him in: he’s strong in the air, has good technique and speed and excels especially in one-on-one situations – he’s currently showing all of that on the pitch. 

  It’s normal for young players to take some time to get going at the beginning. But you shouldn’t read too much into these three good games. He has now taken a strong step forward in his development. But there will certainly be phases where things don’t always go perfectly for him. 

  We are supporting him to stick with it and use the momentum. He is a great talent and trains very well. We are happy to have him here in Leipzig.”
   

… load management with Willi Orban

• “Willi coped with the 70 minutes well, he is of course happy to be back. He trained well during the week and will start again against FC Augsburg. 

  Knowing that there are very important games coming up in the next few weeks and it’s important to have our captain for this, we try to relieve and control him during the week. Our goal is to keep Willi healthy on the pitch. 

  With his experience, he is particularly in demand on match weeks with double games, but I can also do without him, no worries. We’re very well positioned at the back with great guys. Castello Lukeba has developed really well in his absence. And Chad Bitshiabu is also fit again. If our captain can’t do it, we’re happy to put our trust in our young players.”