“We’re concentrating on ourselves”
RB Leipzig head coach Jesse Marsch talks to the press ahead of their opening match against 1.FSV Mainz 05 | Benny Henrichs and Marcel Halstenberg miss out – Alexander Sørloth doubtful
The start of the Bundesliga season is upon us! RB Leipzig kick off their sixth season in Germany’s top flight at Mainz on Sunday (15:30 CEST). Before the trip, Jesse Marsch spoke to journalists.
JESSE MARSCH ON ...
... preparations for the game against Mainz:
- "We’re completely focused on ourselves and our game. The decisive thing is for us to be ready to perform well, and to not underestimate our opponents, no matter what happens. It’s always good to have lots of information on who we’re playing, but if you dwell too much on what they will do, you lose focus on your own game. Concentrating on ourselves is always the most important thing.
Mainz will sit deep and be aggressive; last year they committed the most fouls of any club. Our work as a team is improving day by day. If we keep up this development, we will have a great team no matter who we play.”
... COVID and vaccinations:
- "Everyone knows how much of a risk it can be to play if only a few players and staff are vaccinated. We’re trying to be as careful as we can – vaccination is very important for us as a club and me personally. It’s boring to still see all these masks, but we have to have respect for the virus.”
If André Silva gets a chance to score against Mainz, he probably will.
... Mainz’s coach, Bo Svensson:
- "He’s a great guy. We had a lot of fun together at FC Liefering in Austria and worked together well. He is an adaptable coach, with lots of ideas and tactical awareness, especially on the ball, and always has a good relationship with his players. I was surprised with how well he could speak German, and impressed with how Mainz played in the second half of the season.”
... new arrival André Silva:
- "André is a very intelligent player, and got into many good positions in the penalty area last time out. The Sandhausen game was the first time he had played a full 90 minutes with this group of players. We saw how he thinks on the pitch – he’s very intelligent, asks lots of questions and is growing into the group day by day. If he gets a chance to score against Mainz, he probably will.”
CURRENT INJURY SITUATION:
- Alexander Sørloth has been ill during the week and may not take part this weekend.
- Marcel Halstenberg is struggling with an ankle problem and will miss the Bundesliga start.
- Benjamin Henrichs will also miss the game due to knee trouble.