"Huge motivation to reach our goal" - #B04RBL press conference

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RB Leipzig

·30 April 2026

"Huge motivation to reach our goal" - #B04RBL press conference

We head to Bayer 04 Leverkusen on Saturday evening knowing that a win would secure our return to the Champions League. Kick-off is at 18:30 CEST, with Ole Werner and our boys looking to make it six wins in a row.

How we plan to cause Leverkusen problems, whether there is any extra pressure with Champions League qualification within reach, and his thoughts on Yan Diomande's future were among the topics our head coach discussed at the press conference.

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Ole on... Bayer 04 Leverkusen

"We’re looking forward to a big game and we go there full of confidence – but also knowing that we’re coming up against a side with a lot of quality, who are not easy to play against.Leverkusen are extremely comfortable with the ball. They’ve won in Dortmund, held Bayern to a draw in the Bundesliga and also drew at home to Arsenal. We have to keep the spaces tight and not let them draw us out.At the same time, we know the quality we have. It’s important that we focus on our own game. We know exactly where our strengths are and how we can hurt teams. We want to get in behind and ask questions of their back line."

...the first chance to seal Champions League qualification

"Everyone knows you haven’t achieved your target for the season until you get over the line. We’re at the decisive stage now. That’s why our focus is only on Leverkusen. We have huge motivation to reach our goal. We can sense that, but it doesn’t mean we’re losing concentration. In fact, the team have been extremely focused and determined in training.We’ve spoken a lot about the small details and moments that decide games, and that will be the case over the final three matchdays too. I’m convinced that if you prepare properly for every scenario, you give yourself the best chance of making those moments go your way. I think we've prepared really well."

...Yan Diomande's future

"I’ve stressed a number of times that Yan is not only a game-changer for us, but also a player we really enjoy working with. As a coach, of course you’d like to work with a player like that for longer than just one year. At the same time, I know there are always several factors involved, and as a coach you don’t ultimately make that decision alone.There’s no question that we’d like to keep working with him from a sporting point of view – and if we qualify for the Champions League, it could be the right step for Yan as well."

...Max Finkgräfe and Chad Bitshiabu’s recent form

"Of course the performances they’ve both put in are in my mind. I’ve been largely pleased with both of them. There are obviously still things they can work on, but that’s true of every player.Overall, it’s been very important in recent weeks that players who were more seen as back-up options have come in and done their jobs well. So that is absolutely something I’m thinking about.”