RB Leipzig coach Marco Rose remains calm despite sporting challenges

RB Leipzig coach Marco Rose does not want to be influenced by the unsatisfactory sporting situation. "Of course we're keeping an eye on the table. But I won't let myself drift. If we were to do that, we would have had an issue for weeks," said the 47-year-old on Friday. Leipzig have won just two of seven games in the Bundesliga this year and are fifth, one point behind the minimum target of fourth place.

With Bochum on Saturday (3.30 pm/Saturday) and then Darmstadt, Cologne and Mainz, they will only face opponents from the relegation battle in the coming weeks. For Leipzig, twelve points are almost obligatory. "50 points won't be enough to qualify for the Champions League. There are still 33 points up for grabs," Rose calculated. In recent years, they have almost always had to get more than 60 points to qualify for the top flight, and Leipzig must win at least seven of their final eleven games of the season with their current 40 points.

According to Rose, the team are aware of their current problems. In terms of play, they are doing well, "but the output isn't right. You can't talk about bad luck, because a lot of bad luck is also a form of quality." If they get three points in Bochum, "the situation will look different again."

Peter Gulacsi will return in goal for the unpleasant away game - Bochum have been unbeaten at home for eight games and recently defeated Bayern Munich. The Hungarian international goalkeeper trained fully during the week following his abdominal muscle problems. In defensive midfield, Xaver Schlager is missing due to a yellow card suspension, but veteran Kevin Kampl is likely to move into the starting eleven. The 33-year-old is a stronger player than Nicolas Seiwald.

Bochum will have to make do without regular keeper Manuel Riemann, who is also suspended. The 35-year-old saved two penalties in the 0-0 draw in the first leg. "I don't think that will fundamentally change Bochum's plan. The second goalkeeper can also be expected to perform well," said Rose. Andreas Luthe will probably be in goal for Riemann.