The burden is getting bigger, the staffing is getting thinner: With the sixth game within 18 days, RB Leipzig wants to qualify against Hamburger SV for the round of 16 of the DFB Cup on Tuesday (6 p.m. / Sky). Success is almost more important for the head than for the reputation or the club’s treasury. “We reward ourselves with results, that gives us energy. And we don’t talk about it much because tiredness starts in the head,” said coach Marco Rose on Monday about the strain.
For Leipzig, however, the game against the second division team in the program before the World Cup is not even halfway done. After that, there are still seven games within three weeks. So far the team is doing well. After the international break, four of the five games were won and there was a draw once. In the Champions League you can qualify for the round of 16 on your own, in the Bundesliga things are going up.
The team now sees this pragmatically, said Rose after a conversation with defense chief Willi Orban. The Hungarian international hasn’t missed a minute this season and will be in the starting XI against HSV due to a lack of alternatives.
It’s not enough for Timo Werner. As in the win against Hertha BSC, the national player is out with an infection. A harder blow for Leipzig’s offensive, especially since Christopher Nkunku will also not be available after an operation on his right hand. Emil Forsberg is a shaky candidate, the Swede complained about adductor problems after the Hertha game. Here, the decision about an assignment is only made at short notice.
Rose is thus relying on the recently strong André Silva in attack and should let Yussuf Poulsen play from the start. When it comes to scoring goals, defense will also be an issue again. “Luckily our defensive players can do that too,” said Rose. Orban and Abdou Diallo scored in the 3-2 win over Hertha. However, like against the Berliners, the Leipzig bench will not be fully occupied against Hamburg. Alternatives are rare.
At least there is some improvement in sight. Nkunku should be available again in Augsburg on Saturday. Dani Olmo is also about to return to team training after his knee injury. The Spanish national player is eagerly awaited to relieve the stressed offensive from the many missions.
Despite the staff worries, a win against HSV remains a must. As a precaution, Rose warned against being blinded by the class difference to HSV. “HSV is not a classic second division team. They were top of the table recently, conceded the fewest goals in the league and play good football,” said the 46-year-old. He doesn’t think he has to tell his team not to underestimate their opponents.
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