"It's about being smart!"

 The international break is behind us, as RB Leipzig prepare to host bottom side VfL Bochum on Saturday (15:30 CEST) at the Red Bull Arena. Ahead of the match, head coach Marco Rose spoke to the press. Read on for a full summary of all the key quotes.

Marco Rose on...

…Bochum's squad:

"VfL’s squad has changed drastically. A few players have left, but they have also added several strong ones. For example, Kevin Stöger is a fantastic footballer who played as a number 10 recently, and can read the game well and bring it to life. In addition to that, he can hit the ball well and recognises spaces. They also have several options up front in Philipp Hofmann and Gerrit Holtmann. Bochum have a lot of pace down the wings and their full-backs are quick as well. We will need to work out what approach they will take against us on Saturday. Simon Zoller is another option up top. I think Bochum are a team that have underperformed so far. They definitely have strong players in their squad. At the end of the day, it’s a Bundesliga game. We have to play our game against them on Saturday, be energetic and make sure we get the week off to a good start, because we have a lot ahead of us still.”

…new VfL head coach Thomas Letsch and his style of play:

"You always try to keep an eye on everything, but what matters first and foremost is our own performance and the things we are looking to achieve. In preparation for the game, you naturally take a closer look at the opponent. Under a new coach, Bochum could also change their style, but it’s difficult to speculate on that at this moment. What matters is what we’re able to bring to the pitch. We’re playing at home which means we want to win and play well. It’s possible that Bochum might be get a boost following their change of coach. They fought until the end against Köln already, so we will need to be prepared to resist.

I know Thomas Letsch quite well, which is why I may have an idea of what we can expect. Thomas has a similar coaching background to me. We’ve become friends over the years, our families know each other well and we have even been on holiday together. We have a good relationship and remain in touch, even if it has petered off since we both have jobs. I’m always happy to see him and have a lot of respect for him as a coach.”   

...the pressure:

"There’s always pressure around a game and you always get judged based on your performance. We haven’t picked up enough points in the Bundesliga or Champions League and now need to make up ground. We also really want to advance to the next round of the DFB-Pokal against Hamburger SV.

However, it doesn’t help to create pressure for ourselves. It’s about finding a way in which we can be successful as a team. We want to play and perform the way that both the team and the fans want to see from us. Our aim is to kickstart a strong run of form by getting back on track with the help of strong performances and results.”  

...the RBL academy players who trained with the first team during the international break:

"The lads did very well, and I’m very glad that they were here. They worked hard. I hope that they will be able to take this experience with them to the U17s and U19s You could definitely see the talent on show, and if it were up to me, they would be welcome back anytime. When players draw attention to themselves via strong performances for our youth sides, then I’m prepared to help further their development. Marco Kurth is our connection to the academy, and we will see who might move up and join us.”

…the busy schedule in the run-in to the winter break:

"It’s a new situation for all of us. It’s a bit of ‘learning by doing,’ without fully jumping in feet first. We need to make sure that our players aren’t run into the ground, and find ways to help them recover and be able to play. Our physiotherapists, fitness coaches and medical team will be an important factor. Overall, the lads are working really well, they’re eating healthy and are completing additional sessions. We need to make logical decisions about who we bring on and when, in order to get results. We are prepared for this challenge. It’s important for every player to understand that it’s all about the team! Everyone should show up to training with a big smile on their face. We want to be there for each other and play good football.

Our goal for the next weeks will be to not only look to press and switch over. It’s also about using those moments when we have the ball in order to rest and be smart. That includes not conceding. We want to take the lead and not only defend it, but also see out the win by playing active football. In addition to working out of possession, we also can’t change the way we play and need to use our chances to recoup some strength and score that second goal. We want to prove that we are a force at home. Our focus is to attack the goal with purpose.”

Squad update:

Yussuf Poulsen was unable to take part in training due to an infection and will miss the match vs. Bochum.