RB Leipzig coach Martín Demichelis is feeling optimistic heading into the two big matches against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, following two straight wins. “We addressed the issues openly and used specific examples to show what had worked well—and what we needed to change. My impression is that everyone understood what we’re aiming for,” the Argentine said in an interview with the *Süddeutsche Zeitung* about the successful turnaround following a mixed start to the season. However, the most recent victories—a 6-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the league and a 1-0 win over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League—came at home. RB has performed extremely poorly on the road so far, and the match against Bayern takes place on Saturday evening (6:30 p.m./Sky) in Munich. Four days later, Leipzig travels to Madrid for a Champions League showdown with Real. “I told the guys that, too: ‘We can only win.’ But only if we stay true to our own principles,” said the former Bayern pro and youth coach. Demichelis said he took it in stride that some media outlets had already written him off after just a few games as RB’s coach. “Believe me: I don’t read anything. I’ve always done it that way, even as a player. That doesn’t mean I’m completely unaware; in the end, people close to you will still say something.” The 45-year-old drew a comparison: “In Argentina, everyone has coaching as a side job. Everyone. The butcher, the greengrocer, the banker. I experienced that firsthand, especially during my first coaching stint at River Plate.” There, “not even a hint of doubt is allowed.” RB Leipzig also has “high expectations,” and he can handle that very well, emphasized the successor to Ole Werner, who was unexpectedly relieved of his duties by the club in mid-June. “RB Leipzig may be a young club. But it’s a club that’s forward-looking, wants to make history, and continue to develop,” said Demichelis: “I want to live up to that.” Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved“In Argentina, everyone has coaching as a side job”
