Leipzig is experiencing one of the most successful seasons in its short history. Especially in the Champions League, it was a relatively unexpected success, it reached the quarterfinals, and in it it encounters the very experienced Atlético Madrid. In any case, he will have to deal with one really unpleasant fact. The key forward Timo Werner will not be available to him.
Thirty-four goals across all competitions, such numbers the German national team was proud of during this season. But after the Bundesliga reached the end, in which Die Roten Bullen finally won a decent third place, and therefore will appear in the millionaire competition next year, Werner left for London’s Chelsea for fifty-three million euros.
For the Czech fan, this transfer means favorable news as far as Patrik Schick is concerned. It was he, at Němec’s expense, who should appear in the basic line-up against Atlétic. “We’re in a great mood.” assured Markus Krösche, Leipzig’s sports director. “We have the biggest match in history so far. The quarterfinals can’t be enough for us. We will do everything for the semifinals.”
By the way, according to the latest information, Schick’s future in Leipzig is not in a good way. The employer of AS Roma only extended his hosting in the German club due to the Champions League, then Chekhov’s sale should take place elsewhere. “Players are motivated. They train hard,” pokračoval Krösche. “We will come across one of the best teams not only in Spain,” meant.
Although the management’s interest in retaining the Czech national team would be, all efforts at the level of severance pay are collapsing. Leipzig simply cannot agree on a price with the Club of Rome. “The consequences of a pandemic have an impact on the creation of our staff. We are in a period of uncertainty.” show Krösche. “We simply do not know how the economic situation will develop. We have adjusted the budget.”
The new format of the Champions League, in which only one match will be played from now on, may allegedly favor weaker teams on paper. At the same time, Leipzig is undoubtedly not one of the big favorites for the championship. “I think UEFA has made the best decision in this regard,” chválil si Krösche. “Although the timing of the tournament is not the best, I take the situation positively.”
Hwang Hichan is a new reinforcement that Leipzig has gained in its ranks, but it will not intervene in this race. The question mark hangs over the starts of Marcel Sabitzer and Marcel Halsenberg, Yussuf Poulsen could be ready anyway. Ibrahim Konaté is certainly wounded. “Our opponent has a robust impression. He is really defending,” pointed out Krösch’s own cabin.
The Madrid team won the final third place in LaLiga after the coronavirus break, after all, they pulled by a shorter end compared to the second Barcelona and the first Real. In the Champions League, however, he relatively wished for a lottery ticket, and is thus placed in the role of a slight favorite in this duel. He mainly has to deal with the inconvenience of COVID-19, which has recently affected him.
Due to these lapses, Ángel Correa and Sime Vršaljko, who tested positive, will not play. Thomas Partey may not be fit either. “It’s sad that Atlético will lose some players just before this match,” uvedl Krösche. “But he still has an excellent team. I’m sure there will be no more infections on this tournament. Hygiene measures are clearly set,” added.
Diego Simeone, Coach of Athletics, praised the work of his counterpart Julian Nagelsmann. “Leipzig has a young coach who leads a very good team,” said. “Although there have been fewer matches in the season than we have, but in the finals their number is similar to ours. We focus on preparing this match so that it goes in the best way. Winning is all we care about.”
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