Before the reunion with his former boss Ralph Hasenhüttl, RB Leipzig coach Zsolt Löw has initially imposed a contact ban. "Of course we both respect each other and will certainly exchange a few words after the game. But there will be no contact until the game," said Löw ahead of the clash with Hasenhüttl's VfL Wolfsburg on Friday (20:30/DAZN).
Löw was Hasenhüttl's assistant at Leipzig for two seasons. The duo have been friends ever since. "I've got to know a lot of people in soccer, but Hasi is way ahead in terms of character," said Löw. Löw then went to Paris as Thomas Tuchel's assistant coach, while Hasenhüttl took over Southampton FC. Hasenhüttl congratulated him on the job in Leipzig via text message.
"Go all out"
The reunion is particularly important for Leipzig. With a win, RB could jump to fourth place, and if they win by more than four goals, they could even move up to third. For Leipzig, participation in the Champions League is of immense economic importance. "Our clear goal is to finish in the top four. Three points in Wolfsburg would be a big step in the right direction," said Löw.
Löw's expectations are therefore high. "I want the players to simply give everything they've got in the tank in the last few weeks. We don't have to take anything into consideration and can push ourselves to the limit in every game," said the 45-year-old. The win against Hoffenheim was a good start and the team showed character.
In personal terms, the Hungarian doesn't have to make any new compromises. On the contrary, he will soon have more options. Assan Ouédraogo will return to full team training next week and Antonio Nusa will train with the team for part of the time. Only Xaver Schlager still needs patience, said Löw.
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