Rose: Leipzig Not Bayern’s Main Competitor in the Bundesliga

RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose stated that he does not see his team as Bayern Munich’s main competitor in the Bundesliga, ahead of their clash in Munich on Friday. However, he hopes the situation will improve after the winter break.

Bayern Munich currently leads the table, four points ahead of fourth-placed Leipzig, who have been plagued by injuries to key players and endured a difficult November.

Rose has since steadied the ship, with Leipzig winning their last two league matches and advancing in the German Cup. However, he told reporters on Thursday:

“We have a long way to go; I have to be honest.”

Rose hopes that after the winter break, when more players return from injury, Leipzig can compete with other title contenders. He said:

“I always say: if all our players are fit, I believe we can achieve something. Hopefully, everyone will recover at some point.”

Leipzig has been without several players for months, including Xaver Schlager, Xavi Simons, and David Raum. While Schlager has returned, Raum is expected to make the squad against Bayern in their final game of the year. Simons, however, will not return until January.

Doubts remain over the availability of Kevin Kampl and Amadou Haidara for Friday’s match.

Despite Bayern suffering their first league loss of the season last week against Mainz, Rose still considers them favorites, especially with the return of star striker Harry Kane.

Rose said:

“14 goals and seven assists – that’s what makes the difference, that’s what makes Kane special. His absence is noticeable, and so is his presence. He doesn’t need much time to warm up.”