Leipzig's Star Striker Timo Werner Struggles, But Poulsen Offers Support
It's been a challenging first half of the season for Timo Werner, RB Leipzig's main striker. With only two goals under his belt and recent setbacks due to back problems and an infection, Werner's chances of impressing Germany's national coach, Julian Nagelsmann, for the upcoming European Championships have been hampered.
Yussuf Poulsen, Werner's fellow teammate, has shown his support. The duo previously worked well together during Werner's first tenure at RB Léipzig (2016-2020). In an informal chat, Poulsen acknowledged Werner's struggles and offered words of encouragement.
Poulsen, himself a seasoned player, has had his fair share of challenges. In the past, he's battled with muscle injuries. Now, after overcoming these setbacks, he's in top form, scoring against Wolfsburg and Heidenheim. His recent performances earned him a regular spot in the team and even the captain's armband during one game.
In a casual interview during training, Poulsen also discussed the team's upcoming match against Dortmund, the budding partnership with Lois Openda, the lack of scoring opportunities, and his feelings towards playing against Denmark in the European Championships.
The Interview
- Saturday's opponents Dortmund: "Every game is important. We're looking forward to the game, are focused, and believe we'll have a good chance of success there. We have a good chance of scoring there."
- Striker partner, Lois Openda (23): "It's going quite well. We are two different types in terms of footballing quality and simply fit together well. It's getting better from game to game. He likes to go deep, and I try to open up the spaces for him so that he can pick up the pace. If he scores three goals in Dortmund, I'd rather that than if we win 5:1 against Heidenheim. 2:1 is enough, that also gives us three points." He laughed, "I used to be that fast too - unfortunately not anymore."
- the lack of chances: "We're missing too many chances at the moment or not playing the last pass cleanly. There are phases like that - but it's still good to win games. At some point, things will turn around and we'll find the ease and that little bit of luck you need. I'm not worried about that."
- the European Championship duel with Denmark against fellow striker Benjamin Sesko (20/Slovenia): "We had them in the qualifying group, beat them at home, and drew away. I think I'm more happy that we have Slovenia in our group at the European Championship than the other way around," grins Poulsen. Denmark kicks off their campaign against Slovenia (16.6./Stuttgart).
As RB Leipzig prepares to face off against Dortmund, Poulsen and the squad aim to secure valuable points and continue their successful run in the Bundesliga.
Additional News:
- Despite missing RB Leipzig's win against St. Pauli due to a minor thigh injury, Yussuf Poulsen is expected to return to team training on Thursday. Poulsen has been a consistent performer for RB Leipzig, playing in all seven of their Champions League campaigns and scoring twice in 41 appearances.[1][3]
The absence of Poulsen, along with other injured players like Benjamin Henrichs, Assan Ouedraogo, Xaver Schlager, and Antonio Nusa, has impacted RB Leipzig's depth and defensive stability. However, the team's attacking prowess, led by players like Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons, remains a positive element.[1][4]
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