RB Leipzig begin their competitive season under coach Martín Demichelis this Saturday with a DFB-Pokal match at regional league side Eintracht Trier. The Argentine demanded a serious performance from his team for his official debut but preparations are clouded by transfer speculation and a squad hit by injuries.
Demichelis stated he is in daily contact with sporting director Marcel Schäfer to discuss the complex situation. "Anyone who is unhappy must be loyal to the club and say, I don't want to stay," the coach explained. Several players are unavailable for the trip to Trier due to injuries, including striker Romulo with tendon irritation and Assan Ouédraogo with a shoulder problem. Christoph Baumgartner (knee), Eljif Elmas, and Maxime Esteve (thigh) are also out.
Which player is likely to leave?
One change to the squad appears imminent. Attacker Conrad Harder, only signed last summer, will not feature in Trier according to Demichelis, with youngster Tidiam Gomis getting a chance instead. The coach held two clear-the-air talks with Harder. This development highlights the upheaval in the attacking department, compounded by the injury to last season's 24-goal top scorer Lois Openda. The current squad overview reveals the need for reliable offensive options.
What does Demichelis expect from the team?
The new head coach wants to see a specific attitude from the start. "I expect a serious performance from us tomorrow - with and against the ball," the 45-year-old said. After friendly matches against Leeds United and FC Bayern Munich, where he saw clear progress, the next step must follow. Demichelis stressed respect for the opponent but focuses on his team's own strengths and further development. His aim is to implement the playing philosophy consistently.
What is the current standings situation?
The cup match kicks off an intense period. In the Bundesliga, RB Leipzig aims to build on last season's strong third-place finish, which secured direct Champions League qualification. The team amassed 77 points in the previous campaign. A look at the current standings shows the tightly contested field at the top. A confident cup start would be an important signal for the upcoming tasks in the league and on the European stage.
The injury concerns complicate planning for the first official match. Beyond the mentioned absences, general fitness after the pre-season is a topic. Demichelis noted the team still looked tired after the training camp in the match against Leeds. Now the squad depth must prove itself. The next opportunity comes on September 13th, when RB Leipzig faces SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga, a fixture listed on the fixtures calendar.
