Ilzer: "The start of a long road"

Christian Ilzer on…

…the first few days: "It was a productive week with some very long days. I got to know the team. Our first few training sessions are behind us, we've taken things step by step and worked on everything we set out to do. We're very happy with that. I already feel at home." 

…the game on Saturday: "There's a lot of anticipation. I'm travelling to the PreZero Arena today, I want to feel the energy. We're excited and want to get a good result, that's what football is all about. But it's also important to us how we perform. We want to be tough to play against and make life hard for our opponents. We've made that clear to all the lads."

…possible changes: "It's unusual coming to a team in an international break. We're not going to change everything, but rather bring certain things we've been working on in training to the pitch. We're preparing the team for the game and don't want to overwhelm them, but rather implement our priorities step by step. It should give the boys clarity so that we have a solid idea and a good team spirit. It's the start of a long road."

…the opposition: "Leipzig are a high-tempo team. We can't leave too many spaces against them. The RB teams keep coming after me. (laughs) In Austria, we finally managed to draw level with Salzburg after a long spell in their shadow. Leipzig are the favourites on Saturday. RB put their opponents under pressure. They're not a team that are easy to play against. If you look at the statistics, I think we're trailing Leipzig on all metrics. But that doesn't count on Saturday. I really like Marco Rose as a guy and a coach. He was successful in Salzburg and in Germany. After a few years, we're now meeting again in the Bundesliga. I'm very happy about that."

…the personnel: "Everyone has returned healthy and in top shape from international duty. With the exception of the long-term absentees, all players are available. Finn Becker has been able to do more and more with the team and is now fit. Stanley Nsoki is also fully fit again."

…the line-up: "I already have a clear line-up in my head. However, the squad offers many options, which is why I wouldn't want to commit to a starting XI until Christmas. The fixture list means that we will need the whole squad. We have a packed schedule ahead of us." 

… Alexander Prass: "Alex is very versatile and can be deployed variably on the left flank. That's a huge quality. He knows the principles of my footballing concept and knows what is required. I have several positions in mind for him. We'll see where he ends up playing. The squad contains many options, we want to get the maximum out of that."

The opposition's form:

RB Leipzig are in second place in the Bundesliga, but are without a win in their last three matches. Their most recent outing was a goalless draw with Mönchengladbach, preceded by defeats away to Celtic in the Champions League (3-1) and Borussia Dortmund in the league (2-1). 

Head-to-head record:

The record clearly speaks in favour of RB Leipzig. The Saxons have won nine of the 16 Bundesliga encounters, while TSG have come away victorious on just three occasions. TSG have picked up just one point in their last five league meetings with Leipzig - in the most recent encounter in May 2024.

Match facts and statistics »