RB Leipzig are determined not to get involved in an open exchange of blows in the DFB Cup quarter-final at FC Bayern Munich. That is the lesson learned from the two matches in the Bundesliga, which ended in two heavy defeats for the Saxons (0:6/1:5). "You have to stick to your game plan, even if you fall behind," said coach Ole Werner ahead of Wednesday's match (8.45pm, ARD/Sky), adding in a combative tone: "Nobody expects us to come away victorious tomorrow. We will."
RB will take heart from the first 80 minutes of their home game three-and-a-half weeks ago. Leipzig were the better team during that time and managed to hurt Bayern. However, after a set-piece goal, RB abandoned their basic structure and were literally overrun by Munich in the final minutes. "You can only launch good attacks from a good structure and also have good protection behind the ball," said Werner.
Must minimize mistakes in possession
But it was precisely this protection that Saxony have not always provided in recent weeks. "We have a high error rate in possession, which then led to turnovers and goals against St. Pauli, Mainz and Cologne," said the RB coach. That's where you have to work on a different clarity again.
Werner sees Bayern as vulnerable. Despite the 5-1 defeat, the game in Leipzig provided plenty of clues that showed everyone that Bayern could be hurt. "We still have to be better in all aspects. We have nothing to lose, we can only win there and advance to the semi-finals. That's what we're focusing on," said Werner.
In defence, the Leipzig coach may be able to call on Castello Lukeba again, who has been out injured recently, which would increase his options for the more defensive variant.
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