RB Leipzig changes goalkeeper after series of defeats

After three defeats in a row and the 2:5 in Stuttgart, RB Leipzig head coach Marco Rose is changing goalkeepers. Janis Blaswich, who recently received an invitation from national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, will be replaced by Peter Gulacsi in goal this Sunday (17:30/DAZN) against 1. FC Union Berlin. Rose confirmed this at the press conference on Friday.

"Despite conceding five goals in Stuttgart, Janis played a decent game. It's not about Janis' performance, we have nothing against him, he did a great job. We are changing because we see the overall situation. We want to give new impetus," said Rose, adding: "We've lost three games and want to change something in this position as well."

After tearing his cruciate ligament on October 5, 2022, Hungarian international goalkeeper Gulacsi slowly worked his way up. The 33-year-old former captain has already gained match experience this season in the Champions League against Bern and in the DFB Cup. It is now his comeback in the Bundesliga on Sunday.

Rose had already emphasized before the game against Eintracht Frankfurt (0:1) that he would have two number ones in goal from now on and that he would probably change once in February. Now he is keeping his word. Blaswich has digested the decision well. "We're changing him because we see the overall situation. He's not happy, but has taken it professionally and will help the team where he can," said Rose.

Union are something of a fearful opponent for the Saxons. RB last ended the Union curse with a 3-0 win at the Alte Försterei in September 2023. Before that, however, there were five 2-1 defeats in a row.