The need for "energy, power and passion" against Celtic

With a 4-0 home win behind them, RB Leipzig move onto their next challenge in the UEFA Champions League. RBL welcome Celtic to the RB Arena on Wednesday evening (18:45 kick-off). Head coach Marco Rose and attacker Dominik Szoboszlai answered the media’s questions ahead of the home game.

Marco Rose on...

… opponents Celtic:                              

"You have to say that it is very fun to watch Celtic, especially their Japanese players. We also explicitly noted this in our preparation. It is already really striking how these boys can shape the game. They are small, lively and particularly in one-on-one situations extremely unpleasant to play against in one-on-one situation – they also have a great mentality and can really play football. They can decide the game with their actions alone.

All in all, Celtic have a very exciting but most importantly very clear way of playing. Similarly to us, they try to play actively, play offensive football, and to put their opponent under pressure. The team is very well-prepared and very hard-working.

Ange Postecoglou has done a really good job at a great club."

… Leipzig's position in the Champions League:

"Our position is easy to explain: Until now we have picked up too few points and now absolutely need to get points on Wednesday. We are looking forward to the game, in front of a full house, with the Champions League anthem. We want to carry on playing in the UEFA Champions League, so we have to show the right attitude and, like against Borussia Dortmund and VfL Bochum, play well at home.

If we play with a lot of energy, power and passion as well as playing brave football, then there is a high probability that we will be rewarded with the three points. If that is not the case, it will be really difficult to get through the group phase."

... 9 games in 30 days:

"Of course we have to be aware of player’s workload and accordingly we have built in a monitoring system. We are trying to follow exactly each player’s workload and then who might need a rest. This is however always dependent on other factors: which players are available, who is suspended or injured. We are prepared for these kinds of scenarios, though.

We also ask the players themselves how they are feeling. Of course every one of the boys wants to be on the pitch, so it is about making clever decisions.

Not including our long-term absentees, Lukas Klostermann, Konrad Laimer as well as Dani Olmo, we have the whole squad to call upon."

... Timo Werner:

"In the weeks that I have been here, I have never seen Timo uncertain. He is a really cool customer, a cheerful person and always in a good mood. He has never left the impression that he is beating himself up about things and instead he always seems to be ready to perform.

At the end of the day, those playing upfront define themselves by goals, but if you believe in yourself and put in the hard yards, as Timo did against Bochum, then you will inevitably also be rewarded for that. We all know the kind of quality he has and how he is able to find space.

He has now started to score goals again – and we all hope that this can continue."

Dominik Szoboszlai on...

… the importance of the game:

"It is always an honour to be able to play in the UEFA Champions League. Knowing our team the way I do, we will give our all against Celtic to be there for each other and to fight for a result!

We have unfortunately not managed to pick up any points, but nothing is lost yet. We still have the chance to progress and that is obviously our aim!"

… lessons from the defeat against Shakhtar Donetsk:

“The results show that we have developed. We have become more mature and varied in our play. But we don’t want to keep speaking about the past. We have learnt from the defeat in our last Champions League home game against Shakhtar Donetsk.

We have to be at our absolute best for Wednesday’s game, and I am sure that we will be!

The most important thing is that everyone fights for one another and gives their best, if we do this then the result will follow."

... his personal development:

"Marco Rose’s style of play really suits me. I am very thankful that up till now I have played every game from the start that I have been available. And, I obviously hope that this will continue. I am working very hard every day, and am trying to perform as well as possible in training as well as in matches to help the team."