Raum new RB captain - Gulacsi remains in Leipzig goal

Coach Ole Werner has redistributed the roles at Bundesliga club RB Leipzig ahead of the upcoming season opener. David Raum will lead the team onto the pitch as captain instead of Willi Orban. "It's a decision for David, Xaver Schlager will be his deputy," said Werner ahead of the game in the first main round of the DFB Cup at third-division relegated SV Sandhausen on Saturday (3.30pm/Sky), "we are in a phase of change and want to have more players in charge. David is predestined for the role."

In conversation with his predecessor Orban, who had been captain since 2023, the Hungarian also expressed his willingness to take on further responsibility in the team council. "That speaks for Willi," said Werner. In addition to Orban, the council includes Christoph Baumgartner, Benjamin Henrichs and Castello Lukeba.

Vandevoort will keep goal in the cup

While the new coach will start the season with a new captain, Peter Gulacsi will continue to be the number one goalkeeper. Pete is a step ahead of his challenger Maarten Vandevoort, said the 37-year-old. The 36-year-old former Hungary international goalkeeper will keep goal in the Bundesliga, while the 13-year-younger Belgian will keep goal for Leipzig in the cup.

"It wasn't an easy decision, but it's good that we have this quality in this position," said Werner. "Maarten has taken it very professionally. It's not a decision that makes a player happy."

Romulo has landed in Leipzig

Werner will field the best possible squad for the start of the season, also to give the team stability for the upcoming tasks. RB will travel to champions Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga opener. Werner is planning to include Xavi, who is willing to make the switch. "Xavi has played a good preparation. He can be an important part of the team," said Werner.

Potential new signing Romulo is also expected to play an important role, even if the Brazilian from Göztepe Izmir still has to pass his medical. Werner is remaining tight-lipped about the 23-year-old, who landed in Leipzig on Thursday, but added: "There probably aren't that many clubs in Leipzig that will make him get off the plane."