RB Leipzig Shows "Courage and Discipline" Against Man City

Coach Martín Demichelis has revealed a lineup secret ahead of the big Champions League match against Manchester City. Playmaker Christoph Baumgartner will be in the starting lineup for RB Leipzig for the first time this season following his long injury layoff (Wednesday, 9:00 p.m./DAZN). “My friend Enzo Maresca already wanted to know the lineup from me, but I can’t reveal any more than ‘Baumi,’” Demichelis said ahead of the matchup against his longtime friend, who has taken over Man City from Pep Guardiola. 

Demichelis on City’s coach: “Like a brother to me”

“I have a very close relationship with Enzo. He’s one of my best friends in soccer—almost like a brother to me,” the Argentine said of the Italian. Demichelis himself played for City from 2013 to 2016.

Still, the key question remains: How will RB defend against Norway’s Erling Haaland, who scored five goals in the 0–7 loss in March 2023? “There’s no magic formula against Haaland. He’s an extraordinary striker. We have to try to keep possession ourselves and not let the opponent get forward in the first place. The key is for us to play as an organized and aggressive team and try to impose our own style of play on City,” said Demichelis. 

Baumgartner, who made his Champions League debut as a substitute in the 1–4 loss in Madrid and immediately provided an assist, believes his team is up to the task against City. “We have a high level of individual quality, especially on the wings, and that has to be an important factor again tomorrow,” said the Austrian, adding: “It will come down to us playing with courage and precision. If we bring that courage and precision to the field, we can hold our own against City, too.”