RB coach pleads for more simplicity in rule interpretation

In the recurring debate about refereeing and VAR decisions, Leipzig soccer coach Ole Werner would like to see a return to simplicity. "That's probably what the referees want first and foremost. When you talk to the boys, they're not so happy that there's so much discussion about it," said Werner ahead of his team's DFB Cup quarter-final at FC Bayern Munich on Wednesday (20:45, ARD/Sky).

In the case of handball, for example, Werner believes it should be clear that a shot that a player receives on the arm from a distance of one meter is not considered handball. "Deliberate handball, on the other hand, is a handball. You're more likely to be right with that than with the Sherlock Holmes number that we now do every week," emphasized the RB coach, referring to the measurements that are supposed to show whether the arm is unnaturally splayed or someone is offside by millimetres.

Werner: Eight perspectives, eight opinions

Technology and images are a blessing and a curse. "It increases the possibilities, but also always provides material for discussion, because you can come to eight different opinions from eight different perspectives. A certain clarity would certainly help and make the game a little easier," said Werner.