Marco Rose reveals how Unai Emery 'makes it easier' as RB Leipzig boss delivers brutal truth
RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose spoke with the media at the RB-Training Centre ahead of their Champions League clash against Aston Villa
RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose believes his side must beat Aston Villa on Tuesday night or their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League knockouts will be over.
The former Borussia Dortmund head coach joined Leipzig in 2022, but came under fire last month after the Bundesliga side failed to win in November in a run which stretched across six matches in all competitions. Leipzig ended that winless spell by winning two matches last week - just like Villa did - but they are only one of three clubs in the Champions League who are yet to pick up a single point after five matches following defeats suffered by Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Liverpool, Celtic and Inter.
"This is the situation we have put ourselves into," Rose said. "Tomorrow we have to win. We know the situation we are in. We have had success before and now we want to bring our fans a win in the Champions League. We will face an opponent who knows how to play and is enthusiastic."
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"Mood-wise, the results we have had recently helped, but the mood was never bad. Even when we were bad. We know we need to win and get a victory. We look forward to seeing our fans. We sold out our section at Holstein Kiel (last match). It is going to be a match in our stadium and we want to be able to win, then get two more wins in January to get a play-off place in the standings."
That victory over Kiel came after a 3-0 win against Frankfurt in the German Cup. Those positive results had followed a shock 5-1 home defeat to Wolfsburg at the Red Bull Arena at the end of November.
"I think that in Kiel we were missing a bit of substance because of the match against Frankfurt and now we have another match three days afterwards. In Kiel we had to put in lots of effort, we have to work better with the ball now and that can save strength and energy."
Asked about Villa and what he expects on Tuesday night, Rose said: "It was quite similar regarding the results (after respective winless runs). They won two in a row, likewise us. It is a stable team who know their strategies. We know what to expect from them in and out of possession. They are very lively and have lots of quality. I value all of my fellow coaches. I don’t know him (Emery) personally, but I do admire him and he is a great coach.
"They are a very great team, well organised with and against the ball. It is very impressive to see how clear the structure is that they play with. It makes it easier in the preparation for what to expect. We have prepared ourselves very well. We have a team with pace and strength. They have a lot of pace on the wings and an English international striker. We know what to expect, but we have to score goals as well."
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