Marco Rose with strong words towards star striker Loïs Openda

RB Leipzig overcame a relentless Darmstadt side on matchday eight to remain just five points behind league leaders Bayer Leverkusen and three points behind third-place Bayern Munich. Despite being outshot by the newly promoted side, who claimed a higher Xg than Leipizg with 2.48 compared to 1.93, Marco Rose’s side extended their unbeaten run in the Bundesliga to seven games.

Two goals from star striker Loïs Openda suggested that Leipzig’s decision to part ways with €38.5 million was a smart investment during the summer. With seven goals and two assists in all competitions so far this season, Openda has rightfully earned his plaudits.

However, after the final whistle on Saturday afternoon, the 23-year-old explained that he is not entirely satisfied with his start to the campaign: “I now have six goals in the Bundesliga, but that’s not enough. Many other strikers have more goals. I have to keep working hard to get closer to them.”

It is also a sentiment that his head coach shares. After the victory, Rose agreed with Openda’s words, while also commenting his own strong views regarding the Belgian striker’s start to life at Leipzig: 

“Good self-assessment, I’m not entirely happy with him either. He scores goals, is an invigoration for us as a guy, and is willing to work. And yet there are situations where he doesn’t secure the ball when he has to, which is important for our game. Or where he doesn’t find the right moment to use his speed in depth. We’re talking about game activity and pressing triggers. But Lois has already made big steps in the first few weeks.”

Nevertheless, while this statement may sound overly critical, it will only be to ensure that his players continue their development. As Rose would suggest later, there are goals in mind at the club and perhaps one would be to challenge for the Meisterschale at the end of the season:

“We also know that we have to improve if we want to achieve our goals.”

GGFN | Will Shopland