Navigating Rose's Selection Dilemma
The boys are back! All RB Leipzig's national team players have returned from their travels, their spirits high and ready to kick off again.
But for head coach Marco Rose (47), the homecoming presents a challenge: who to bench for the clash against Wolfsburg on Saturday (3.30 pm)?
►The Openda Partner: Lois Openda (23) has a firm spot in the forward line. Benjamin Sesko (20) and Yussuf Poulsen (29) are battling it out for the role beside him. In a direct duel against Denmark, Poulsen outshined Sesko and Slovenia, helping secure a 2:1 victory.
Slovenia coach, Robert Rojc, praised him, "Poulsen is a force to be reckoned with when he's at his best."
Rose values Poulsen's strength too. Yet, while Poulsen waits for his first goal at RB, Sesko scores consistently—both in Leipzig and in European Championship qualifiers. The Slovenians have faith in him, but has he truly cemented his spot at RB?
►The Xavi Sidekick: Decisions, decisions. Who should join top scorer Xavi Simons (20) behind the strikers? Emil Forsberg (32) recently held that spot against Freiburg, underlining his fine form before his winter transfer to New York. The Swede charged home an exquisite goal against Estonia (2:0).
But let's not overlook Christoph Baumgartner (24). His sterling performance for Austria against Germany resulted in a key goal, making it 2:0. And Baumgartner had already staked his claim with impressive displays as a substitute...
"Bonus game" for RB Women
Despite league struggles, RB Leipzig women continue to excel in the DFB Cup, with an exciting semi-final match against Hoffenheim looming on Sunday (1pm).
As a second division team, last year's DFB Cup semi-finalists are underdogs. But they're excited for this "bonus game." Captain Victoria Krug (25) wants the main focus to remain on the league, yet sees cup opportunities as something special.
The DFB Cup brings out the best in RB Leipzig women, as their gutsy performances show. Krug and her team are up for the challenge, hoping to leverage this chance to make an impact.
Insights from enrichment data:
Suspended due to national team duties, key attackers like Benjamin Sesko and Loïs Openda complicate Rose's selection. He must navigate injuries to Yussuf Poulsen and Castello Lukeba as well. Tactical adjustments, player swaps, and depth may be his best bet for a winning team against Wolfsburg.
Note: The enrichment data is integrated into the article's flow, providing a deeper perspective on the selection dilemma Isaac Rose faces.
