"Know the Rules": Demichelis Says a Win Is a Must Against HSV

Leipzig's new coach, Martin Demichelis, is already under pressure. / Photo: Jan Woitas/dpa

RB Leipzig’s new coach, Martin Demichelis, understands the criticism following two losses and feels the pressure ahead of the match against Hamburger SV. “I know full well that there isn’t much time in soccer. I know the rules,” said the 45-year-old ahead of Sunday’s match (3:30 p.m./DAZN). “After two losses, you have to show a response. We’re obligated to win.”

The poor performance in the 1–4 Champions League loss in Como had caused unrest at Leipzig. On Friday evening, sporting director Marcel Schäfer even felt compelled to issue a statement. In it, he expressed his support for Demichelis—who was signed just before the season—and the team.

First area of concern: the defense

With the HSV match coming up, Thursday’s game left Demichelis with no time for training. “We’re holding meetings and doing video analysis. Not much is happening on the field,” said the Argentine. Internally, there had been a critical and open discussion. “We have to defend better—seven goals in two games—that’s not acceptable. We need to improve from the back all the way up front,” said Demichelis. Before facing Como, Leipzig had lost 1–3 in Bremen.

The coach also announced that he would make changes to the starting lineup in several positions. In the defense, as many as three of the four positions could be filled by new players. There’s likely to be some rotation in the attack as well.

Ouédraogo Ready for the Starting Lineup

Demichelis expects noticeable improvements in the short term. “We’ve had bad luck with injuries. When the roster is at full strength, we’ll play a different kind of soccer right away,” said the former pro. With Rocco Reitz and Christoph Baumgartner out, only two regular starters are currently missing. Assan Ouédraogo, who played 30 minutes in Como and made an immediate impact, is ready for the starting lineup, according to Demichelis.

Demichelis himself is tackling the difficult situation with hard work. “You have to keep working. I was here until 9:00 p.m. yesterday and was one of the first to arrive this morning. I’m very happy here,” emphasized the former Bayern Munich pro.