Marco Rose: “You have to be careful with Vinicius”
The RB Leipzig coach has a clear plan for the game and how he foresees the defense he is going to propose against Real Madrid.
RB Leipzig coach Marco Rose answered questions from the media in Madrid, where his side take on the defending champions in Matchday 2 on Wednesday night.
Plan for the game and setting up the defence “It’s going to be a difficult game, but we have an excellent team, we have a great team. Tactics are going to be very important -we have to make sure that the rival don’t get the chance to change our idea of how we want to play”.
What is your opinion on Vinicius? Do you think he has evolved since you faced him two years ago with Dortmund? “He was already a very good player at the time. He is a young player and has continued to improve and he is decisive for his team. He is always ready to shoot on goal and you are not aware, he’ll score. We already know how he plays, that he looks for depth and is good in one-on-one duels, it’s difficult to defend against him. He’s a very good player and you have to be careful with him”.
Some teams have marked Vinicius with two men. Do you think he might deserve something similar in tomorrow’s game or would that be neglecting other Madrid players? “We have to avoid that at all costs. Madrid is not just about Vinicius - there are other players who have very special qualities. Even if Benzema is missing, there are other players like David Alaba who are dangerous. They are the defending champions of the Champions League and that’s why we have to enjoy it”.
Many players suffer nerves play at the Bernabéu, have you been able to prepare for that? “Ultimately, it’s a privilege to playing in an historic stadium and against a team with a lot of history so that should be a moment for us to enjoy. I don’t like the word fear, our players have already been to huge stadiums and important games and the joy of playing these big games is huge”.
Will this Leipzing side play differently to Dortmund? “We have different tasks because the rival is different. We need full-backs, but the approach is similar. We know that tomorrow we are going to suffer a little, but we are going to try to have possession of the ball and try to do what distinguishes us as a team”.
As rivals, what dangers do you see in Ancelotti’s Madrid? “Real Madrid is used to winning, as winners that’s how they go out on the pitch. They know how to turn the scoreboard around right at the last minute even when they are behind. All the players who are there are for a reason and they work together”.
Dani Olmo “Dani Olmo is injured and at the moment he is in rehabilitation and we will see how he evolves. For us he is a very relevant player, with offensive qualities and here he has learned defensive qualities and we miss him. We have very good young players and they haven’t shown us their full potential yet.”
Do you think that being an observer in the Champions League gives you a clearer perspective? “I didn’t train for two years and now I’m back. For me this is not unknown territory, with Borussia Mönchengladbach I was in the Europa League and it is also a sport that I know and have some experience. Not just talking about results, anything can happen in football. Before the game against Dortmund, the team was in a huge crisis; I’m not saying everything has been resolved, but we continue with the euphoria of the game and tomorrow we play against Madrid and we have to face it in the best way”.
Forsberg: “You can’t play at half throttle and win”
Midfielder Emil Forsberg also looked forward to the game alongside the coach.
Madrid’s dangers: “The experience they have in the Champions League makes everything clear for them, they are used to winning. They know what they have to do and maintain their composure in difficult moments”.
The team’s feelings after beating Borussia “When you play against your old coach, things can change. We have had to show mentality, passion during 90 minutes to get ahead. You couldn’t play a game like that at half throttle and win. That is what we have been missing in recent weeks and not only because of the coach but also because of the players. You have to be willing to give everything, work hard and the results will come. That has also characterized us in the past. We share the responsibility.”