Leipzig's Gruda Proud of Klopp's Call — Raum Issues a Challenge

After missing a call from Jürgen Klopp, Brajan Gruda ended up having an interview after all. The offensive player radiated immense enthusiasm during Leipzig’s 5-2 victory over FC Augsburg. “It can definitely be a boost; I’m happy to be here, and that can really give you energy,” said the 22-year-old Gruda, who, after Augsburg took the lead, “felt like he single-handedly turned the game around. “We need to defend that better as a team,” said Augsburg captain Jeffrey Gouweleeuw. 

Gruda, who had to withdraw from his first DFB call-up in September due to an abdominal strain, delivered a perfect pass to Ezechiel Banzuzi after a dribble into the FCA penalty area; Banzuzi scored the equalizer with a low shot from 20 meters. Shortly afterward, Christopher Nkunku volleyed home a delicate chip from Gruda to make it 2–1—RB turned the game around in two minutes thanks to Gruda. “Everyone saw what a performance Brajan put in; he needs to stay cool and work hard,” said coach Martín Demichelis. 

Gruda: “Dribbling’s just in my blood”

“Man of the Match” Gruda said he played as he always does. “A lot went right for me today. I think dribbling’s just in my blood. I had a blast on the field. The team was fired up, too,” said the offensive player, who was born in Speyer, Rhineland-Palatinate, and whose father, Bujar, once played in the European Cup with the Albanian club KS Vllaznia Shkodra. 

Gruda, on loan to RB from Brighton & Hove Albion, also holds Albanian citizenship but opted early on for a career with the DFB and has already shone at every level from the U15 to the U21 national teams. Now he is set to make his senior debut. “It means a great deal to me and my family that I’m part of the national team. I’m very happy about it. I want to put in a good performance there.”

He’s getting a boost from RB captain Raum. “Brajan has shown why he was rightfully nominated. The way he’s playing right now, he’s earned it,” said Raum. 

Raum’s Challenge to Klopp

The left back countered Klopp’s decision to leave him off the roster with a challenge of his own. “The national team coach called me and explained his decision. I respect that,” said Raum, adding: “I told him that I’ll respond with my performance so that he won’t be able to pass me by next time. I wished him all the best, because we all want a national team that all of Germany can be proud of.” Fittingly, he converted a direct free kick straight into the corner to make it 3–1. But it’s not Raum’s offensive qualities that are being questioned—rather, his defensive play or his ability to build up the attack. 

Thanks to the 5–2 victory, Leipzig’s home streak—now at five consecutive Bundesliga wins—stands at 23–2, as Romulo and substitute Christoph Baumgartner (66th) added to the tally in front of 38,292 spectators. Even the mistake by Willi Orban, who was celebrating his 400th competitive match for RB, was easy to overlook. After 40 seconds, his header struck Arijon Ibrahimovic’s body; Maarten Vandevoordt was able to parry Ibrahimovic’s low shot—but not Kade’s follow-up. It was Leipzig’s first goal conceded at home in the league after a run of 18-0. “It was a wonderful moment to be celebrated by the fans. 400 games is a huge milestone. I’m very proud of this milestone. There have been many great battles along the way,” said Orban.