RB Leipzig opens title chase - Relaxed at Olmo

Xavi wants to repay the advance praise in the coming months. "The focus is on this season, I want to give my best, then we'll see," said the professional, who was loaned out by PSG without an option to buy. There will be a quick reunion with his home club, who visit Leipzig for a test match on Saturday (18:00). Following his vacation after the European Championship, Xavi describes himself as "fit", but coach Marco Rose will decide whether he will play.

Patience required for Olmo

In all likelihood, Rose will have to do without Dani Olmo. It remains to be seen whether the midfielder, who is keen to make the switch, will ever pull on the RB shirt again. "This is an outstanding player who has a certain value for us," said Schäfer, "we are ready to talk about it, but at the moment we are relatively relaxed."

Olmo has recently been repeatedly linked with FC Barcelona, while Manchester City and record champions Munich are also said to have expressed an interest. However, according to media reports, offers from these clubs have so far been rejected by Leipzig. The 26-year-old Spaniard, who still has a contract with RB until 2027, is currently valued at €60 million.

Meanwhile, the Spanish European champion landed back in Leipzig with his advisor on Monday evening after his vacation and is scheduled to start training on Thursday. "I think it's good that he's here early. That's extremely exemplary and professional. Everything else will come from the talks," said Schäfer. "If there's a solution by Thursday, then there will be a solution. Then he'll start training and we'll have another top player in our ranks."

Copyright 2024, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved