Coach Marco Rose has spoken highly of RB Leipzig's strongly performing new signing Xavi Simons. "For what we want for our game, he is almost a prototype. He enjoys chasing the ball and tackling, radiates huge energy against and with the ball, and is a gifted footballer to boot," the 47-year-old told "Kicker" in an interview. In so far three Bundesliga games Simons scored two goals and prepared three hits.
The 20-year-old Dutchman is borrowed without purchase option from Paris Saint-Germain. Rose nevertheless hopes that Simons will stay longer in Leipzig. "Maybe he will take an example from Dani Olmo, who is now growing into the role of absolute leader with us," the coach said. Olmo had extended his contract in Leipzig until 2027 despite requests from big clubs.
Despite the good start to the season with two wins from three games, Rose warned that the team was still in a process after the upheaval. "Nevertheless, we know that such a young team will also be subject to performance fluctuations. So far, we have handled the opposition well," Rose said. One had increased despite the departures of top players in the width and "20 players who all have the claim to play".
In the transfer activities of sports director Max Eberl Rose was completely involved, at many appointments even present. On the departure side, he explained the change of defender Josko Gvardiol to Manchester City with economic reasons. The Croatian had moved to the island for 90 million euros, although he was still tied to RB for several years.
When Dominik Szoboszlai moved to Liverpool FC, Leipzig had no chance because of a clause for 70 million euros. Rose hit the departure of his model student unexpectedly. The clause had been pulled "out of nowhere" and was "already a damper on the vacation." Rose expressed understanding that the player wanted to take the chance.
Copyright 2023, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
