RB Coach Demichelis "Really Proud" After First Win

The dedication was there, but that was all. The first victory in the Champions League brought a smile to Martín Demichelis’s face. He pumped his fist in celebration immediately after the final whistle of the lucky 1-0 win against PSV Eindhoven, marking his Champions League debut with RB.

“I feel very happy, proud—really proud. Because it wasn’t an easy game. It was a tough game; when you can’t play your usual game, you need passion. The guys fought until the very end,” said the Argentine, adding: “We didn’t play that dominantly, but the energy was definitely there.” 

Real and City Right Around the Corner

But now they face opponents of a different Champions League caliber: In the group stage, they’ll travel to Real Madrid, then host Manchester City. And after a strong home streak spanning two seasons—with eight Bundesliga wins—the Saxons will face Germany’s record champions, FC Bayern, this Saturday (6:30 p.m./Sky).

“We’re not going to Munich just to defend. You’d have to have an incredibly lucky day not to concede a goal,” said Demichelis. Ahead of the two highlights in Munich and Madrid, the approach is clear: “We have nothing to lose in these games, but a lot to gain. We’ll try to enjoy it.” 

Demichelis on Gruda: “You’re finally back”

His decision to rest Brajan Gruda during the 6-0 win over Frankfurt and then start him against the Dutch champions paid off completely. “He’s a special, smart guy,” Demichelis said of the goal scorer, who had to leave the field immediately after his goal in the 75th minute—to manage his workload. As he did so, the Argentine hugged him and whispered in his ear: “You’re finally back.”»

Gruda had recently been sidelined due to an abdominal muscle injury. As a result, he was also unable to travel with the national team. “It’s frustrating. But there’s one thing Jürgen Klopp said that stuck with me: ‘Postponed is not canceled.’ If I perform well, the opportunity will come again,” said the forward. 

Messi Shoes Give “a Little Energy”

His spectacular curling shot was one of those that’s impossible to save, even though it was slightly deflected by Ivan Perisic. After all, the goal scorer was wearing special soccer cleats. “I was hoping they’d give me a little energy,” Gruda said with a smile, explaining: “The cleats are just a dream—Messi shaped my entire childhood. I’m a huge fan. I don’t just put them in the closet—I actually wear them myself,” said the 22-year-old.

It’s a limited-edition model. Gruda is part of a select group of players chosen by Argentina’s superstar Lionel Messi to wear them.

Most recently, a 1-11 goal deficit against Bayern

Now they’re heading to Munich. “With confidence,” said RB captain David Raum. As a reminder: the last game of the previous season there ended 0–6, and at home, Leipzig was defeated 1–5. So the question is, can RB carry some of its newly found home strength with them?

“We’ve perhaps been a tad bolder and more hardworking at home so far. Of course, we have to manage that on the road as well. If we can strike a certain balance there, I’d be happy,” said Raum.