Marco Rose on RB Leipzig’s struggles in front of goal: At the moment we are simply having a hard time being a real threat to the goal and asserting ourselves.”

Speaking after RB Leipzig’s 0-0 draw with St Pauli (via kicker), head coach Marco Rose gaves his thoughts on the team’s attack which has been faultering as of late. 

Against both St Pauli and Union Berlin, teams that Leipzig are expected to be, they have only came away with a point after 0-0 draws. While in midweek against Atletico Madrid, despite scoring early on they never threatened Jan Oblak. 

On the issues in attack, head coach Rose said: 

“Our offensive game is lacking. At the moment we are simply having a hard time being a real threat to the goal and asserting ourselves.”

Rose then added: 

“Now we have a training week in which we can address the issue. I think I know that I can assess these phases quite well, including how they come about.” 

This is a sentiment echoed throughout the team with centre-defender Willi Orban saying:

“There was clearly not enough going forward. We didn’t create enough chances, were too inaccurate in the last line, didn’t cross enough, didn’t have enough box presence. We’re lacking a bit of strength going forward at the moment.”

Leipzig’s main front three of Loïs Openda, Xavi Simons and Benjamin Seško have struggled in the opening games. Seško ended last season on an 11-game scoring run but has not continued that form in this Bundesliga season. Openda showed signs of his quality in Leipzig’s win against Bayer Leverkusen but has been quiet since, including missing a penalty against Union Berlin.

While Simons has also not been his usual self and has struggled to look as dynamic and energetic as he did last season. The Dutch international has yet to score in the Bundesliga and only has one assist, against Leverkusen. 

GGFN | Jack Meenan