A return to Leipzig for Yussuf Poulsen | OneFootball

Yussuf Poulsen is set to return to the Red Bull Arena for the first time since leaving RB Leipzig over the summer. "I'm excited to return," he shared ahead of Saturday's match against Hamburger SV. "I'm really excited to get to play in Leipzig again. The Red Bull Arena was my home for many years."

A return to familiar territory

Despite all his experience, Saturday will still mark new territory for the striker: "I've never been at the stadium as part of the opposition," he stated, before quickly correcting himself: "Actually, I was once, at the Red Bull Arena."

As part of Dominik Kaiser's testimonial back in 2018, Yussi featured on the same team as his long-time teammate and friend. "We played against RB Leipzig, which is why we had to get changed in the visitor's dressing room. I don't know if that counts, though!"

Special visitors for a special game

Yussi arrived in Leipzig as a fresh-faced 19-year-old, playing a key role in the club's promotion from the third division to an established Bundesliga side. After 12 years, 425 competitive games and 95 goals for the Bulls, the striker moved to Hamburg over the summer.

"There are several people I'm looking forward to seeing. Several of my friends will be in the stadium," the 31-year-old shared. Both of his children, along with his wife and his mother, who is travelling from Denmark for the occasion, will also be there for the game. "It will definitely be an emotional moment."

The striker will be hoping to come up against some more old friends on the pitch, so long as he's fully recovered from a thigh issue that's kept him on the sideline recently. "I'm feeling good," he said. "I hope to have put the injuries behind me now. I have to get back into the rhythm and just need playing time, hopefully in Leipzig already."

Tough battles with Willi Orban

Yussi has lined up several times alongside the likes of Peter Gulacsi, Lukas Klostermann or Willi Orban. On Saturday, he could face off with our Hungarian centre-back in particular. "Willi was often my opponent in training, where we had some real tough battles," he recalled. Should the two come up against each other during the match, Yussi is certain: "Neither of us will be shying away from a challenge."

For Peter Gulacsi, it will also be unusual to see his former teammate in another club's colours. "However, we're all looking forward to seeing him again," our shot-stopper said. "He's a great person."

The striker still makes sure to watch RB Leipzig games

When he's got time, the striker still makes sure to watch his former teammates play. "If we're not playing at the same time, then I try to watch every game," he shared. "So far, it's worked out pretty well." Yussi has been able to tune in to three of RBL's six games so far this season. "Leipzig have started the season well. They've already been able to pick up several points and are in the top of the table," he said. "We definitely won't be the favourites for this match."

On Saturday, our record appearance maker will receive an official farewell at the Red Bull Arena. There will be a special tifo from the fans in his honour, with plenty of time set aside after the match for him to receive a fitting farewell from the RBL faithful.

Hoping for all three points against his former club

"I'm really looking forward to it," Yussi shared, but he won't be taking it easy on his former teammates. "I'm a winner. Even though I'm up against my old club and I still have a close connection to RB Leipzig, we want to win. They can go ahead and take three points from any of their other 32 Bundesliga games this season - that's when I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for them."

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