“We want to win everything there is!”

RB Leipzig are days away from their first ever DFL-Supercup. As defending DFB-Pokal champions, we’ll host Bundesliga winners FC Bayern at the Red Bull Arena on Saturday evening. The ground is sold out ahead of the 20:30 CEST kick off.

At the official press conference ahead of the game, head coach Domenico Tedesco discussed the importance of ‘the first title of the season,’ the condition of the squad and the strength of the record champions.

Domenico Tedesco on ...

… The condition of the squad ahead of the first competitive game:

"We’ve trained a lot and trained well, despite our players returning from their summer breaks at different times. We focused on our build-up play when under pressure in several sessions because that caused us some problems in our friendlies. Southampton and Liverpool pressed very aggressively in our games against that and losing the ball in those situations is something we needed to address."

… The state of the squad:

"I’m very pleased with the squad. We have a good team, good characters and a healthy competition for places. We will benefit from all of our players in the right situation – we just have to find the right moments, games and systems to do so."

... The importance of the Supercup:

"We want to win everything that there is to win! This will also be our first Supercup and we’re really looking forward to it. There are definitely worse ways to start your season than a game against Bayern (laughs). We want to be the best we can be; that’s certain."

... FC Bayern and the last game:

"I think overall their squad is stronger and has become a little bit more flexible. De Ligt has always performed well at Juventus and Ajax and we all know about Mané’s qualities. I have also seen a lot of Gravenberch; he’s really good and can do everything. They are all very good improvements to the squad.

In preparation for the Supercup, we’ve watched some of the clips from our last meeting with Bayern. Not the whole game – we already knew what went well and what didn’t. We have to avoid making the mistakes that we make in that game and then we’ll have a good chance."

... Germany’s performance at the Women’s European Championship:

"I watched yesterday’s semi-final and I think you can feel the euphoria around the country. It’s a good thing because it’s what the team has been working hard for, and now they’re in the final. It won’t be an easy game against the host nation England, but I’m optimistic."

... UEFA’s decision to allow standing areas at European games:

"I think it’s a very good and positive decision. It allows more fans to come to the game and that is obviously a really good thing. Simply put, more people means more atmosphere."