Mladen Petric ahead of #RBLBVB: “They’re the difference between victory and defeat”

We spoke to Mladen Petric (43) before the Bundesliga clash at the Red Bull Arena. Today, the former Croatia striker (45 caps/13 goals) reports on European football as a TV expert for “Sky” and the Swiss TV channel “Blue”.

The Bundesliga knows Petric from his time at Borussia Dortmund (2007/08, 29 games and 13 goals) and Hamburg (2008-2012, 99 games and 38 goals).

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In the interview you can find out why Petric has a special eye on Lois Openda, which player he recommends to the RBL scouting department, and who could be the deciding factor on Saturday.
 

On Saturday there will be a top game between RB Leipzig and BVB. In your opinion, who is ahead?

• “Both teams are currently in good form. Leipzig have been unbeaten in seven league games and have been playing beautiful and successful football for weeks.

  “Things are going up and down at BVB this season. However, in the last few weeks you have the impression that they’ve caught themselves and the form curve is pointing upwards. Against Atletico Madrid they impressively demonstrated what they’re capable of. This gives you self-confidence. They also had Leverkusen on the verge of defeat recently.

  “I have the feeling that we can look forward to an even battle. It’s hard to say who will come out on top in the end. Both defences are stable. That’s why the attacking lines will be the deciding factor for victory.”

Which players will be particularly important for both teams?

• “I really like Lois Openda. I met him during an interview before the games against Real Madrid. He’s a very relaxed and funny guy. 

  “Niclas Füllkrug will also be important for Dortmund. He had a long dry spell without a goal. In the last two games against Atletico and Leverkusen he showed again that he’s a real opportunist. Openda’s and Füllkrug’s performances will be the difference between victory and defeat for their teams on Saturday.

  “Of course, there are also a number of other players. Xavi and Marcel Sabitzer are having a strong season. Sabitzer in particular, who’s well known in Leipzig, is currently in top form.”
   

You were a feared goalscorer for years. In Lois Openda and Benjamin Sesko, two new additions to our attack ensure a lot of goals. You’ve already praised Lois. How do you rate our attacking duo?

• “Openda has a lot of what a top striker needs. I’m impressed by his speed, his technique and, above all, his incredible power. That’s what makes him so dangerous. He’s not necessarily the biggest striker, but his physicality is outstanding. With his body he can keep defenders at bay, then his top speed and his composure in front of the goal come into play. These are components that make it difficult for any defence.

  “Sesko is already very advanced for his age. He knows where he has to position himself in the penalty area to get into the final situations. He has a good nose for goal. He has good technique for his size, can secure balls in the centre and then finish himself or set up those next to him. He brings a lot to the table, but he still has potential. I’m very excited to see what steps he takes in the next year or two.”
   

When you left the Bundesliga in 2012, RB Leipzig was still a regional league team. In 2024 we will be competing in the UCL for the seventh time. How do you rate the club’s development?

• “The development of RB Leipzig is unbelievable. It’s simply sensational how the club is doing today. I particularly like the way in which this path has been followed and this development has taken place. There are many clubs that have good conditions to work successfully. At Leipzig it’s obvious that everything follows a clear plan and is worked out intelligently. That’s not always the case in the football world.

  “Scouting has been at a very high level for many years. Every year new talents come to Leipzig that may not be known to everyone. After a year or two in Leipzig at the latest, everyone knows them. The list of players who have made a huge leap here is long.”

A look at the European Championships: Josko Gvardiol is an important player for Croatia, who will face Italy in the group stages in Leipzig. How do you see his development?

• “Josko Gvardiol is simply an absolute machine, that was apparent relatively early on. He has already dominated games as a youngster and directed the defence. Leipzig as a first big step was perfect for him. He has risen to the top European level at RBL. It’s a lot of fun to watch him play football. As a striker on the opposite side, you don’t want to face him. This usually gets very uncomfortable.

  “The fact that he will return to his old place of work in Leipzig in the summer, where he celebrated great victories, will certainly be something special for him.”

How do you assess Croatia’s chances?

• “Croatia achieved very good results at the last two World Cups with a second place (2018) and a third place (2022). The leading players – especially Luka Modric – aren’t getting any younger. Of course, Luka’s still playing at an outstanding level at Real Madrid. But some other established players such as Domagoj Vida (AEK Athens) and Marcelo Brozovic (Al-Nassr) have also reached a certain age, Ivan Rakitic (Al-Shabab FC) has already ended his career in the national team. That’s why it will be exciting to see how the team gets on in the tournament.

  “With Italy, Spain and Albania, Croatia has a fantastic group. It won’t be easy. But the team has shown in recent years that anything’s possible. In my opinion, we’re currently lacking the absolute top strikers in Croatia. Then perhaps even more would have been possible at previous tournaments.”
   

Who are your European Championship favourites?

• “It’s actually quite simple – it’s always the usual suspects. England and France are the big favourites. You always have to take Italy into account – even if they’ve been up and down in recent years.

  “For me there’s still a question mark behind Germany. The two friendlies against France and the Netherlands looked better than before, but those were only two games. The home advantage will give the team a boost, anything can happen in Germany.”
   

Josko was considered one of the brightest defensive talents. You have a special view of Switzerland and Croatia. Which youngsters should you currently keep an eye on?

• “Neil Volken! He plays for FC Zurich and only turned 17 a few days ago. He’s a left-back, but can also play more attacking up the left-hand side. He’s a really cool player and a great talent. Street footballer type. He has great technique and vision. His name is definitely worth remembering.”
   

As a TV expert, you follow many Champions League games. How do you rate Leipzig’s UCL season?

• “RB Leipzig did very well. To be honest, you were a bit unlucky when you look at the two games against Real Madrid. I was live in the stadium for the game in Madrid and watched  the first leg from home.

  “For me, RBL were the better team in the first leg, had the better chances and deserved to win this game. Marco Rose‘s team also played a great game in the second leg at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu – and probably surprised a few people. Leipzig were on a level playing field with Real Madrid, that’s saying something.”

You were a great free-kick taker and scored many set-piece goals during your career. What does it take to make the perfect free kick?

• “It’s not a big secret. It takes practice, practice, practice. After the training sessions, I worked a lot of extra shifts and practiced free kicks. I remember that some guys stayed after training and watched me take free kicks. We then had our bets going on how many things would go in. It was a good time.

  “All it takes is practice and patience. At some point more and more shots will go the way you imagine. Of course you also need a certain level of technique to bring the ball dangerously towards the goal.”

Looking back: Who was your best teammate – and which player, who is active today, would you have liked to have played with?

• “Definitely Luka Modric. I was able to play with a lot of good players, but Luka was just one or two levels above the others. He’s one of the best of all time, an incredible player. His vision, control and leadership qualities. He’s a legend.

  “From the current generation, I’d have liked to have played with Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City). Being fed balls by him as a striker must be a great feeling.”