RB Leipzig: Yussuf Poulsen relies on the Ronaldo effect – contract talks

Before the CL duel with Man City

Yussuf Poulsen takes his meager goal tally with humor and makes people sit up and take notice with his remarkable statistics. “I think Cristiano Ronaldo also had zero goals in the first 25 games,” said the Danish international from RB Leipzig. Poulsen means the record in the Champions League – and the superstar from Portugal only celebrated his goal debut in the 27th game. Poulsen himself currently has one goal in 30 games in the premier class.

Of course, his accuracy is not the reason why he has regained his regular place and will probably be in the starting line-up against Manchester City on Wednesday evening (9 p.m./in the TM live ticker). Poulsen is a fighter, runs after every ball and annoys opposing defenders with his robustness. “I’m happy that I’m fit again. It took me a while to get back to this level,” said the 29-year-old, who is still waiting for his first goal of the new season.

The Dane, who has been playing in Leipzig for more than a decade, has had a period of suffering that lasted almost two years. A muscle was always pinching or the immune system was causing problems. In the summer, Poulsen was considered a candidate for sale, Borussia Dortmund is said to have shown interest – but his status as an identification figure saved him from being sidelined.

And now? The prevailing topic is the extension of the contract, which expires at the end of the season. “The topic is currently being discussed. I’m keen on Leipzig,” said Poulsen. The signature is only a matter of time. Especially since the beefy attacker is placed next to the lively and accurate Loïs Openda. Coach Marco Rose appreciates Poulsen immensely for the fact that he is not above doing any dirty work.

Poulsen sees RB Leipzig with chances against Man City

It is unlikely that Poulsen will improve his scoring record against Man City – but this will not be a success for the team, which has been unbeaten in seven games. “We are in the mode of playing top games,” said Poulsen. First the 2:2 against Bayern, now the revenge for the 0:7 against the Skyblues from March is here. But it won’t work without suffering. “There will be times when we stand deep and chase the ball. We have to accept this phase and make it as short as possible.” To date, Ronaldo, who is now active in Saudi Arabia, has scored 140 goals in 183 games in the premier class.

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