Coach Marco Rose (RB Leipzig) told his players that all need to try and make efforts to minimize the danger from striker Erling Haaland (Man City).
Rose’s team will face the Premier League champions in the first leg of the 1/8 Champions League round tomorrow morning (February 23). Coach Rose personally pays special attention to Haaland. He knows Haaland well having coached the Norwegian at Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund.
Speaking before the Leipzig vs Man City match , Rose said: ‘If Haaland sees an opportunity, he will go crazy for scoring. Haaland is always there for the club, doing his best for the team. As far as I can see, Haaland has improved and upgraded a lot, in terms of technical aspects, movement and surroundings.
Now Haaland is playing for one of the best teams in the world and he is a world class player. But I have a lot of confidence in my team. We want to play against one of the best teams in the world, looking for a chance to beat them.
Leipzig always have brave players who want to solve every problem and complete the task in every game. For me in this match, Haaland is one of the tasks that need to be solved. The whole team needs to be focused, strong and fulfill their roles well.”
Haaland has scored 32 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions for City but Rose realizes that the former student is not the only threat Leipzig face in the first leg of the round of 16 at Red Bull Arena. : “Man City have a good squad, have a great coach. I told my boys that this is going to be a game we have to endure (because Man City has the ball and attacks very well). So don’t feel uncomfortable but enjoy.
Leipzig can narrow the space and minimize the coordination or movement of Man City players. We need to have fun enjoying defending and getting the ball as fast as we can. Then it’s all about creating opportunities, taking advantage of those opportunities. Leipzig has prepared and planned for this match.”
In the last meeting in the Champions League group stage 2021/22, Man City won 6-3 Leipzig and lost 1-2 in the second leg.
