RB Leipzig “planning normally” with Xavi Simons despite exit links | OneFootball

RB Leipzig head coach Ole Werner brushed aside outgoing transfer rumors surrounding attacker Xavi Simons whilst speaking at a Thursday press conference. Werner noted that he was planning to use the Dutch attacker in the opening round cup fixture against SV Sandhuasen on Saturday afternoon. Insofar as Werner is concerned, Xavi will be remaining with his Bundesliga outfit.

“Xavi has had a good training camp despite all of the news swirling around him,” Werner said. “He’s proven that in the friendly matches. As long as he is here, he is part of the team and can be a very important part. In that respect, I am planning normally with him.“

Werner should have a new addition to welcome to his squad soon. Virtually all German footballing media sources are presently confirming that Göztepe striker Romulo has arrived in Leipzig to complete his club medical today and should be unveiled soon. Werner left open whether the 23-year-old will be available for Saturday’s DFB Pokal tie.

As many of the moving components surrounding Leipzig begin to come together, Werner declared himself “excited to be contesting a meaningful match with the best team available“. The RB head coach at least settled some matters on Thursday by naming defender David Raum his new captain and declaring Peter Gulacsi to be his new first choice keeper. Werner thanked all his professionals involved in the decisions for conducting themselves with class.

“It’s a decision in favor of David [Raum],” Werner said of his new skipper. “He embodies what we want to see from the team: Hunger, the ability to develop, and aggression. I like that. He was made for such a role. Willi [Orban] handled an open discussion [about the captaincy] very well.

“Pete was one of the best Bundesliga goalkeepers last season and also posted top statistics in preseason,” Werner added of his keeper duel. “That’s what ultimately tipped the scales. [Maarten Vandevoort, who will start in the Pokal] handled it very professionally and made a great impression in training today.”

GGFN | Peter Weis