Participation in the Champions League: is something extraordinary

For coach Marco Rose of Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, participation in the Champions League is not a matter of course. Even though the Saxons have reached the top flight six times in seven years in their young history, it is not a foregone conclusion. "For many, it's probably taken for granted that we'll reach the Champions League. But unfortunately, I have to give people the benefit of the doubt. It's something extraordinary, something special to reach this competition," said Rose on Friday ahead of the Bundesliga match at SC Freiburg on Saturday (3.30pm/Sky).

RB are in fifth place ahead of the 28th matchday, three points behind fourth place, which is crucial for qualification for the top flight. A win in Breisgau is therefore a must for the Saxons.

Rose pointed out that although they are one of the top four teams in the Bundesliga, there are teams every year that perform exceptionally over the course of the season. Rose cited the examples of 1. FC Union Berlin last season and VfB Stuttgart at the moment.

If RB were to miss out on the Champions League this season, it would certainly be a huge disappointment for everyone at the club. "But I assume that the wheel and life will keep turning. That's my approach as a coach. But we have the goal in mind and will do everything we can to get into the Champions League," emphasized the RB coach, referring to last season.

The club was in a similar situation back then and then qualified for the top flight relatively easily thanks to a win in Freiburg and a strong final phase of the season. "And once you've made it, almost everyone here thinks it's normal. But it's not normal," Rose reiterated.