The injury-related loss of Real Madrid’s top star Jude Bellingham is actually considered certain, but coach Marco Rose from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig still had his doubts before the first leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League (Tuesday, 9:00 p.m./Amazon Prime).
“I only think he’ll be out when he’s not in the stadium. I know him. He’ll do everything to play a Champions League game.”
Rose knows the young English star from their time together at Borussia Dortmund. The offensive player suffered an ankle injury in the 4-0 league win against Girona FC at the weekend.
“I’ve read a lot, but you’ll see,” said Rose, who is enthusiastic about Bellingham’s development: “Jude is at the right club, he’s taken the right step. It doesn’t surprise me that he’s taken the route he has. He’s a Great boy with an incredible mentality and an incredible footballer who has taken steps forward.”
Whether with Bellingham or not – Leipzig doesn’t want to hide against Real. “We’re certainly not afraid, we’re not afraid of anything,” said Rose: “We’re looking forward to the task. We want to look for our chance.”
You have to “defend well in all areas” and “be compact,” said Rose: “We have to have phases with the ball in which we keep them busy. The transition phases become important.”