National player Raum sees himself as a "scumbag"

National player David Raum from RB Leipzig shows a completely different face on the pitch than he does in private. "I see myself as a scumbag on the pitch. This character is needed in every team. In private, I'm one of the most harmonious people. But on the pitch, I'm an unpleasant opponent. There are definitely players who I really annoy," said the left-back in an interview with "Sport Bild". The 26-year-old added with a grin that some referees might have been happy "to have a break from me for a while".

Raum made his comeback after the first major injury of his career in the 5-1 defeat in Munich before Christmas. He had previously injured his right ankle in the Bundesliga game in Heidenheim last October and had to undergo surgery.

Still a lot possible in the league

After his ambitious club failed to make it out of the Champions League early, he sees a lot of potential in the new year thanks to the return of players like Xavi Simons. "We're at the top of the league, even if we suffered a setback against Bayern recently. Nevertheless, a lot is still possible," said Raum, who also supported his team in the crisis month of November with a dressing room speech.

He also praised the connection to head coach Marco Rose and emphasized: "He has this connection to every player. He is very intelligent on a personal level and knows how to address everyone". Rose is also very well positioned tactically. The national player found the discussion about the coach that had arisen in the meantime unnecessary. "In a difficult phase, I don't think it would have made sense to change the coach anyway," said Raum.