RB Leipzig manager Martin Demichelis has challenged his team to show a different side against Real Madrid in their upcoming UEFA Champions League meeting, insisting that the 6-1 defeat to Bayern Munich does not reflect his side’s true identity.
Speaking to AS, the Argentine coach discussed the challenge awaiting Leipzig, praised Real Madrid’s depth and highlighted the threat posed by their devastating attacking transitions.
Demichelis made clear that Leipzig must respond with greater confidence and a commitment to their possession-based approach.
While he recognises the quality available to Jose Mourinho, he believes his team can offer a far stronger performance than they produced against Bayern.
Demichelis demands a strong response against Real Madrid
The heavy defeat to Bayern has put Leipzig under pressure ahead of a demanding European fixture.
Demichelis, however, does not want that result to define his side’s performance at the Bernabeu.
Demichelis knows the kind of threat Real Madrid possess. (Photo by Fabio Deinert/Getty Images)
He expects his players to retain possession more effectively and show greater courage against a team that punishes mistakes quickly.
“As a manager, I certainly hope to see a different side to the one we were last weekend, because I believe that’s exactly what we are. We’re a completely different team to the one we were.
“Hopefully we’ll be much more daring, that we will actually be ourselves – a team that wants to keep possession.
“Against Madrid, we have to hold onto the ball because every time they make a counter-attack, they create danger.
“Take Mbappe, for example: he shows that they only need two passes for any of their forwards to break the defence, squeeze into spaces where there’s barely any room, and with a single dribble, beat the goalkeeper and, without even putting his other foot down, finish the move. That’s why he’s one of a kind.
“We’ll need to be very alert to Real Madrid’s lightning-fast attacking transitions whilst, at the same time, being able to get into the game ourselves.
“Jose’s teams are very much characterised by that – by being compact, by knowing when to win the ball back and when to strike,” he analysed.
Real Madrid’s squad depth earns Demichelis’ respect
Demichelis was equally emphatic when discussing the quality of Madrid’s midfield.
The club has moved on from the celebrated combination of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro, but the Leipzig manager believes their current options remain among the best in the game.
“The only thing I can say – because we’ve been analysing Real Madrid recently – is that, regardless of who plays, whether it’s Fede Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga or Bellingham starting… they’re all very good; they’re all at international level.
“What Real Madrid can’t do is complain about their squad. Regardless of who plays and the trend in recent years regarding signings – whilst it’s true that Modric, Kroos and Casemiro have marked a wonderful and, above all, highly successful era in the club’s history – the players who are there now also possess enormous ability and, above all, are already key players for their national teams.”
Yan Diomande earns praise for his development
Martin Demichelis has praised Yan Diomande. (Photo by Leonhard Simon/Getty Images)
The interview also touched on Yan Diomande, whose breakthrough at Real Madrid has attracted attention.
Demichelis acknowledged that his direct experience of the player at Leipzig was limited, explaining that Diomande spent much of that period away with the national team and trained individually after returning.
“I didn’t get to enjoy it much. I’d been appointed Leipzig’s manager in July and the player was at the World Cup, so I know Yan practically more from watching him on television.
“During the few days he spent with us after the World Cup, he trained on his own. I had a few conversations with him, during which he expressed his desire to take his career to the next level.
“I predict a great future for him because his development here was very rapid.
“Yan is one of those players who currently makes all the difference, whether on the left or the right, thanks to his superb ball control with both feet,” he concluded.