"Goals are always nice to have!"
Domenico Tedesco and Konrad Laimer spoke to the press ahead of the second leg of our Europa League semi-final against Rangers | Current squad news
On Thursday night, RB Leipzig and head coach Domenico Tedesco will have the opportunity to reach the Europa League final.
Our coach spoke to the press ahead of the match, where he also provided an update on the personnel situation.
Read on for all the key quotes from today.
Press conference ahead of #RFCRBL
Domenico Tedesco on...
...the situation heading into the game:
"We're leading 1-0 in the tie, but I'm expecting us to need more goals tomorrow. Rangers will apply pressure and make life difficult for us. So goals are always nice to have.
We played well during the first left, despite Rangers defending deep in their own half. It's usually a different story away from home, and Rangers will allow us more space. If we have the space, then we are capable of posing a huge threat.
I expect that those players who were a doubt for them, will play tomorrow. If they don't, then it doesn't change much. We will prepare our best XI, as always. That's our job."
…Leipzig's strong away from:
"I have to say that our performances in the away games this season, both in the Champions League and Europa League, have been really strong. On the one hand, you have to play well, but on the other you also have to be a team. You all have to be working towards the same goal. That's what we showcased against Atalanta, otherwise we wouldn't have won the tie. The mood and energy will be similar here in Glasgow, and might even be a bit more intense. We're looking forward to it; it will be a fiery game."
…the mood after the Gladbach game:
"Regardless of whether we win, draw or lose, I will always bring the team together for a huddle afterwards. There's no secret meaning behind that. I understand what's being said in the media, but it wasn't a lack of focus - sometimes, it's just not your day. There's no need to immediately speak of there being a crisis within the team.
Of course we were disappointed with the Gladbach result. We didn't want it to happen like that. We want to win every game. But that's behind us now and we've got a fantastic game ahead of us - a semi-final in the Europa League! There's nothing better than that, and we also have nothing to lose, and everything to gain."
Konrad Laimer on...
"We have a big game on Thursday: the semi-finals of the Europa League. That doesn't happen every day.
Ibrox will be bouncing tomorrow, but we're also really up for it! None of us will be feeling tired when we step onto the pitch tomorrow. We want to give it absolutely everything and that's what we'll do. These are the games we live for.
We want to enjoy the game and the special atmosphere in the stadium. And then we'll see what happens in the end. As a team, we really want to win.
Mentality plays a huge role in sport. I think that, despite our packed schedule, we are still feeling fresh. If we play the way we know how to against Rangers, then I'm confident that we will win and reach the final! If we do, then we're capable of beating anyone."
Team news:
- Amadou Haidara continues to work on his comeback after suffering an MCL injury, and will not be in the squad.