Xaver Schlager faces a challenging task at RB Leipzig. The 28-year-old midfielder, who played in the first three competitive games at the start of the season, has to play at the back again after his calf injury. Since his return, he has only been used as a joker – also because things have been going well for Leipzig recently.
Coach Ole Werner spoke about the Austrian’s situation at the press conference before the home game against VfB Stuttgart (Saturday, 3:30 p.m.): “The fact is that we are very happy that Xaver is back. Things also went well this week in that we were able to increase the playing time and bring him back little by little.”
At the same time, Werner made it clear that the competition in his position is fierce: “The other guys who were on the pitch also did well. We simply have so many good players, so many weapons in the squad that it’s not an easy decision as to who starts and who comes off the bench.”
“Of course a very important player for us”
The competition in Leipzig’s midfield is enormous – and Schlager has to work his way back up again after his injury break. However, Werner was convinced that the experienced midfielder will soon take on a key role again: “We are very happy that Xaver is back because he is of course a very important player for us.”
It remains unclear when the Austrian will be back in the starting line-up for the first time. For now, Werner is likely to rely on the well-coordinated staff.
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