"It's incredible to be able to play in front of fans again"
RB Leipzig head coach Jesse Marsch talks to the media ahead of the first home game of the season at the Red Bull Arena against VfB Stuttgart | Benny Henrichs and Marcel Halstenberg are out – Yussuf Poulsen and Alexander Sørloth return
First home game of the season at the new-look Red Bull Arena! On Friday (kick-off: 20:30 CEST), the Red Bulls will take on VfB Stuttgart in the first home game of the season on Matchday 2 of the Bundesliga. Head coach Jesse Marsch spoke to the media ahead of the clash.
JESSE MARSCH ON ...
... the reaction to the defeat in Mainz:
- "It’s been a short week after a poor result. That’s a good thing for us, because we can be back out on the pitch quickly to do things better. We were all disappointed about the game. We lacked clarity against an opposition who defended strongly and deeply.
The problem wasn’t with out pressing against Mainz, because we had almost all of the possession. Mainz defended really deeply after the opening goal and we weren’t clever enough. We’re working towards becoming fitter, sharper and better."
... the return of fans:
- "It’s incredible to finally be able to play in front of fans against on Friday. At the moment, we’ve already sold over 20,000 tickets. We’re really hoping that we’ll be allowed to welcome the permitted number of fans back to the ground after 18 months. That will be very exciting and provide us with even more motivation."
We’ve played against each other before at university
... VfB Stuttgart’s American head coach, Pellegrino Matarazzo:
- "He is a fantastic coach, who is doing a great job in Stuttgart. His career in Germany is also a very interesting story. He’s come through from the youth level. We’ve played against each other before at university – he played for Columbia Lions and I was with Princeton Tigers. When we played Hoffenheim away with RB Leipzig two years ago, he came straight over to me and spoke with me. That’s when we really first got to know each other and chatted. As a coach, he’s definitely one of my idols.
A few years ago, it would have been unimaginable to have two American head coaches coming up against each other in the Bundesliga. I have huge respect for him and what he’s done with his team. It will be a big challenge for us."
... preparation for VfB Stuttgart:
- "Our training has been very intense because we want a fit and strong team – we said that from the beginning. The aim is to kick off a long season being healthy and fit. We were aware that a few players felt tired after the Mainz game, but there are no excuses on Friday. We have to deliver a top performance against a good opponent.
We had a bad day against Mainz and we've reinforced a few tactical things, but also said we have to stay strong. That's a normal process and the result in Mainz doesn't change the overall picture.
Stuttgart had a strong season last year. They play smart football, also when out of possession, and have scored a lot of goals in their two games this season. We have a big challenge ahead of us, but the team know that Stuttgart are a strong side and that we have to bring a good performance. We will be ready."
CURRENT TEAM NEWS:
- Alexander Sørloth is back in team training
- Full back Benny Henrichs remains out with a knee injury
- Marcel Halstenberg is currently working on a return from an ankle injury in Thalgau
- Yussuf Poulsen is available and is an option for Friday's matchday squad