Peter Gulacsi would certainly have liked to have done without his current pioneering role. The RB Leipzig goalkeeper has involuntarily become something of a symbol of the fast pace of soccer. Almost exactly 14 months ago, Gulacsi was living in a perfect professional world: number one for RB Leipzig and Hungary, captain of the DFB Cup winners, undisputed top performer. One cruciate ligament rupture later, the reality looks much more bitter: His regular place is on the bench, a nomination for the European Championship in Germany in jeopardy.
The 33-year-old tore his cruciate ligament after 13 minutes against Celtic Glasgow. A few weeks later, Gulacsi had to go under the knife again and the recovery was more complicated than expected. During this time, he was overtaken by his rival Janis Blaswich, who even earned an invitation to the DFB squad with his impeccable performances over a long period of time. Coach Rose had no choice but to leave Blaswich in goal. "There's no reason to discuss it," said Rose.
Two consolation prizes remained for Gulacsi this season, he was allowed in goal in Wiesbaden and Wolfsburg in the cup. "It wasn't Peter's fault at all. He played a good game," praised sporting director Rouven Schröder after the defeat in the Autostadt. The game against Bern could even be his last in a Leipzig shirt.
Rumors of an early departure for the Hungarian, who is still tied down until 2025, have been doing the rounds for some time. There have been rumours that Gulacsi, like Emil Forsberg, could move to sister club New York in the winter. After all, the duo have the same advisor. However, as important as match practice is to Gulacsi, his demands are just as high. The long-distance solution of New York would be something of a last resort.
