Welcome back!
This Tuesday, Xavi, Marcel Schäfer and Rouven Schröder were available to answer questions from the press.
Here are the most important statements. As always, you can follow the press conference in re-live.
The entire press conference in Re-live
Xavi on…
… his return to Leipzig
- “I’m really happy to be back. The trust that the club has shown in me is really great. I love to win. I love to go out on the pitch and give it my all. The club knows that and has the same DNA. This is the right place for me to develop further and take the next step.
There have been a lot of rumors in recent months. After the EURO, I put my phone aside and recovered from the exhausting tournament. Now I’m here and I’m looking forward to the coming season.”
… the decisive factors
- “Basically, I wanted to make the decision that was best for my career. That’s what I did. One of the most important factors was that I had already played in Leipzig for a year and I could take the next step.
Before the last game of last season, I felt unsatisfied because I thought we could have achieved a lot more. Sure, we played well and gave it our all, but I had the feeling that I, we as a club, are not finished here yet.
It was also important to me, that the team stayed together. We know how to communicate with each other, which processes strengthen us as a team. Now the time has come to deliver. There are no more excuses. The DFB Pokal starts in two weeks and we want to be ready.
My relationship with Marco Rose and the coaching team was also a decisive factor. We know and respect each other and have the same goals. We want to go after them together now.”
Everything about Xavi
Loan extended: Xavi will stay in Leipzig!
Xavi’s return in pictures
Marcel Schäfer on…
… his first days in Leipzig
- “I’m really happy to be here and to finally be able to get started. The start couldn’t have gone better for me with this positive news. RB Leipzig has developed into an absolute giant in the Bundesliga and a top club in Europe. The club is the perfect starting point for young talents. We’ve seen that in recent years. All of that fascinated me and is something I can completely identify with.
Xavi is a symbol of this. We are delighted that he is here. Excellent work has been done here in recent weeks and months. I have chosen the club with complete conviction. We have great potential for the club to continue to develop as excellently as it has in recent years. I’m looking forward to this with great enthusiasm.”
Rouven Schröder on…
… Xavi as a figure
- “If you look around the room today, it becomes clear how important his figure is for us as a club. We have done everything we can in the past weeks and months to keep Xavi in Leipzig. This wasn’t an individual effort. We fought for this transfer as a club, as a community.
In my career, I have rarely seen a player who has shown himself to be so integrative despite being on loan. Xavi was committed with heart and soul from the start. We are therefore extremely happy that he is back with us today. And now with the right number on his jersey, as the heart of the squad.
We showed patience and gave the player the time he needed. His teammates are delighted, the coach is delighted. Things are looking good!”