Battle is the trump card: Leipzig focuses on new virtues

Ole Werner drew a satisfied conclusion after RB Leipzig's successful performance at FSV Mainz 05. "I can only compliment my team. It wasn't a fine performance, but it was a deserved win because we had the better chances and defended very well," said the RB coach about the Saxons' deserved 1-0 victory.

Willingness to run, fighting spirit, compactness and a fine individual performance from new signing Johan Bakayoko tipped the scales in front of 32,000 fans for Leipzig, who are slowly finding their feet after the major upheaval in the summer. "We're doing more things as a team and building up a good energy as a group. That's the only way that works for us," explained Werner, who joined from Werder Bremen.

The two one-nil victories against Heidenheim and now in Mainz give those responsible courage for the near future. "We have lost incredible individual quality and relied on bringing in players who are young, hungry and capable of development. And that this season we'll be able to achieve more team unity, more intensity with the ball and against the ball. We're on the right track," said RB managing director Marcel Schäfer.

The chemistry is right

In contrast to the previous season, the team gives the impression of being a close-knit group these days. "You can feel that the team spirit is extremely good and that we're growing together. We have a positive atmosphere on the pitch," said veteran goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi, noting: "Last season, we rarely managed to put in such a combative and defensively stable performance. The sense of achievement is important so that we can continue to work in peace."

The Saxons only conceded two great chances at home to Mainz before the break. The post saved once and Gulacsi once. "If we work disciplined as a team against the ball, we win games. That's only possible through spirit, through community, through pulling together. That's something we've learned from this game and it will help us in our further development," summed up Werner, praising: "Everyone contributed and did their job."

David Raum set a good example. The international threw himself into every tackle and pushed his teammates. "You don't get anything for free here in Mainz. These are exactly the kind of dirty away wins that we need and that do us good," said Raum. All the players had put themselves at the service of the team and worked hard for them. "It's a great spirit that's emerging right now. We can build on that," said Raum.

Consistency is required

Werner warned against euphoria after the second win of the season, however, as the season is still young. "The basis is intensity, community, discipline on and off the pitch. We've taken a step forward in the past two games. But we have to continue our development consistently," he warned.

Continuity is needed if Leipzig are to climb back up the table after a disappointing seventh place and missing out on international competition. There is still work to be done: "It's not good or even very good," said Schäfer. "But it's making a good impression at the moment."