Everyday football at RB Leipzig without Timo Werner – can that work? Yes it works. The squeaky clean trophy appearance of the Saxons at 1. FC Nürnberg showed that even after the premier league adventure in Lisbon at national level, the national player who had migrated to Chelsea could still be possible. And that his successor Hee-chan Hwang can also cause a sensation in the Bundesliga.
The South Korean was the most noticeable player on the pitch in the 3-0 (1-0) victory alongside Tyler Adams. He was involved in the creation of the first goal by Amadou Haidara (3rd), the second goal by Yussuf Poulsen (67th) he prepared directly and finally he crowned his strong RB debut with the 3-0 in the final minute. “First game, first goal. I’m very happy,” said Hwang happily.
In Salzburg, the striker had matured into a dangerous attacker in recent years. With Werner, he is united by the speed and the train to the gate. Unlike Werner, however, because of his solidity, he is always a source of danger in the penalty area. And that without match practice. “My last game was two months ago. Actually I would have liked to have had a test match. But I trained hard with the coaching team and my new colleagues, and we did a great job today,” said Hwang.
It was noticeable that he harmonized immediately with Yussuf Poulsen after his substitution. “Mister Pokal” at RB used a wonderful back pass from Hwang to show him when he scored. In 19 cup appearances for Leipzig, the Dane now has 19 goal participations – an outstanding quota.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann saw what he wanted to see. “With the goal, Hwang gained confidence for the league and the Champions League,” said the coach. And he was also happy about the interaction with Poulsen. “I’ve always said that we can’t replace Timo one-on-one, but that it has to be spread over many shoulders.”
Hwang, Poulsen – and maybe Alexander Sörloth for the RB attack? The offer for the 24-year-old has been official since Saturday. Sörloth is a “good player” and the interest in him is “not an extreme secret, but the negotiations are still complex,” explained Nagelsmann, as there are talks with two clubs. Therefore, the matter is “very, very complicated”. Sörloth actually belongs to Crystal Palace from England, but most recently played for Trabzonspor in Turkey.
The RB coach has a few worry lines before the start of the season on Sunday against FSV Mainz 05. Midfield motor Konrad Laimer needs an operation and will probably be out for four weeks. And captain Marcel Sabitzer had to be replaced at halftime. Whether it is a strain as suspected by Nagelsmann and how serious it is was still unclear on Sunday.
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