Leipzig deficiency list: RB can take these immediate measures

The words of Rouven Schröder should actually be reassuring. We are "miles away" from a coaching discussion, said the RB Leipzig sporting director. Such statements are usually only made when the discussion has already begun. After three defeats, coach Marco Rose himself knows that there is a lot of criticism. He and Schröder can do that.

Gulacsi comeback: During the winter break, Rose announced that they would have two number ones from now on. This refers to regular keeper Janis Blaswich and his predecessor Peter Gulacsi, who was set back by a knee injury. The latter was promised playing time, which he could now get. Blaswich's uncertainties are increasing. He scored several goals in the final phase of the previous season. Now he has conceded eight goals in three games (for which he is not solely to blame), and in the 2:5 in Stuttgart he showed weaknesses in controlling the penalty area.

Orban should fix it: The biggest problem at the moment is the defense. The number and type of goals conceded are not worthy of a Champions League club. It's a good thing that defensive boss Willi Orban, who has been injured since September, made a brief comeback in Stuttgart. Orban's heading power, positional play, calmness and prudence are urgently needed in the back line. Rose could also switch to a back three in order to defend with one more man.

Mentality in the starting eleven: Alongside Orban, Yussuf Poulsen is what you call a mentality player in the Leipzig squad. After a good first half of the season, the Dane has been on the bench three times recently. Poulsen's fighting spirit and his strong play against the ball are what Leipzig need now. His rival Benjamin Sesko is perhaps more talented, but has a lot of catching up to do in these areas.

Transfers: Schröder must also show that he can handle a crisis. Players can still be signed until Wednesday. With three departures so far, only Eljif Elmas has been brought in from Naples, but the attacking player is not an immediate help. At the moment, the shoe is on the other foot in central midfield and attack. But signing a top performer in the winter is a mammoth task.