RB Leipzig head coach laughs off Yan Diomande’s failure to report to game on time: “He already set his watch ahead.” | OneFootball

RB Leipzig head coach Ole Werner made just one personnel change to his starting XI against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday afternoon. Ivorian attacker Yan Diomande – despite strong performances in two consecutive Bundesliga starts – was replaced by Antonio Nusa on the left flank. Diomande eventually featured, and excelled, off the bench.

It was later leaked that Diomande arrived too late to board the team bus ahead of the trip to the stadium. Werner played down the issue when asked about it. Whether or not Werner was joking about Diomande setting his watch (literal or figurative) ahead an hour in order to confirm to Winter Standard Time isn’t clear.

In any event, it is clear that Diomande will not be sanctioned.

“With Yan there’s no need to make a big deal out of it,” Werner said when questioned about Diomande’s lack of punctuality at the post-match press conference, adding with a grin: “He’s already operating on Winter Standard Time. He’ll arrive at the next team meeting on time.

“He’s a great lad who’s gotten off to a great start with us,” Werner continued. “He also showed what he’s capable of today and we have a lot to look forward to. Such things happen. I think they’ve happened to all of us.“

GGFN | Peter Weis