RB Leipzig can rely on top strikers Loïs Openda and Amadou Haidara in the Champions League against Liverpool FC. The duo were injured after the win in Mainz, but completed their final training session today. Both Openda and Haidara are expected to be in the starting eleven against the former English champions on Wednesday (21:00/DAZN).
After two games, Leipzig are still without points in the new league format of the top flight. Coach Marco Rose described Liverpool as "a plank", but they still want to "start scoring. That would take the pressure off us at the back". Each team has eight games in the league phase. To reach the next round, they have to finish in the top 24 of the 36 teams.
Simons and the childhood dream
A key role will be played by Xavi Simons at Leipzig. The Dutch international is back in better form after a mixed start to the season. "You dream of these games as a little kid. I get goosebumps when I think about it," said the 21-year-old. Simons has yet to score a goal in the Champions League this season, which is below his capabilities. "You have your ups and downs. I still have a lot to learn," said Simons.
A willingness to learn, which coach Rose also attests to Benjamin Sesko. The 21-year-old missed a great chance in Mainz on Saturday, overlooking Simons, who was in a much better position. Sky pundit Dietmar Hamann then said that he would have replaced Sesko immediately as coach, for which he had no sympathy.
Rose sees the situation less emotionally. "I have lads who reflect well on themselves. Sesko knew he had to play the ball. But now it's fine, he didn't hurt anybody," Rose said. "What am I supposed to do? Should I sack him just so that someone is served? We handled it very self-critically."
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