"I’m happy here" – Rômulo aiming high with RBL | OneFootball

A new language, a new league and a different style of football – Rômulo faced plenty of challenges during his first year in Leipzig.

The Brazilian now knows the Bundesliga, his teammates and the daily routine at the Cottaweg far better. After the first training session in Saalfelden, the striker is eagerly looking forward to his second season with the Red Bulls.

He is particularly looking forward to playing in the Champions League, taking the next step in his development and, above all, achieving plenty of success with his teammates.

“My first season wasn’t always easy because I had a few injury problems. Even so, we achieved our objectives. I’m very happy here. Playing in the Champions League is every footballer’s dream. I want to help the team and score lots of goals.”

Settled at RBL

Even during a summer in which transfers are dominating the headlines, Rômulo’s focus remains firmly on Leipzig. “I’m happy here and I’ve now adapted to the league and the club. The lads have helped me a lot. I want to stay here for as long as possible and play for RBL in the Bundesliga and the Champions League.”

Rômulo is relaxed about the possibility of changes to the side's attack. His own status is not his main concern. What matters to him is the team’s success.

“I’m here to do my job. Another striker could come in and help us achieve our objectives. Whether another player starts or I do, the important thing is what’s best for the team. We have to put the team first.”

Pushing each other on

The same applies to his battle with Conrad Harder for a place in the team. Both strikers want to play and score goals, and both are expected to push each other every day in training.

“Whoever trains better and performs will start. It was the same last season. Conrad is a very good player and a great guy. We help each other. The competition is good for us, but we’re friends and we’re both here to help the team.”

Rômulo is equally unfazed by the size of the group training in Saalfelden. A large squad, tiring sessions and a new coach who initially wants to assess every player are all simply part of pre-season as far as the Brazilian is concerned.

“I’m from Brazil, where a large group of players in training is completely normal,” he explains with a smile. “Of course, it means you have to rotate players more often during training. But Micho is new and wants to get to know everyone. He needs to see who can carry out his ideas best and who earns a place in the team.”

A new role under Micho

Rômulo is embarking on an exciting learning process under our new head coach. Micho wants to take the Red Bulls’ football in a new direction and expects more from his centre-forward than simply finishing chances and scoring goals.

“It’s a different style. Micho wants us to have more possession and greater control. I need to control the ball well and hold it up, help the team, link the play and create chances.”

The striker is also continuing to make progress with the language. He now understands a few important German terms and can rely on his teammates to help him with longer instructions.

“I try to listen very carefully. I already understand a few words in German. The lads translate a lot into English for me, and some of them also speak to me in Spanish. It’s similar to Portuguese, so that helps me a lot. I hope I’ll be able to speak more German over the next few months.”

“We want to win a trophy”

Rômulo is already very clear about his sporting ambitions. After returning to the Champions League, the Red Bulls have no intention of resting on their achievements.

“We’re a big club and there’s a huge amount of quality in the squad. We want to challenge in the Bundesliga, the DFB-Pokal and the Champions League. Our aim is to win a trophy.”

The Brazilian does not have a particular opponent he would like to face in Europe’s premier club competition. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City or Arsenal? Rômulo knows that whoever they face, there will be major challenges ahead.

But he has no intention of fearing any opponent.

“You face the biggest clubs in the Champions League. Every game will be difficult, but we don’t focus on who we’re playing. We’ll go into every match looking to win.”

Settled in Leipzig, fully focused on RBL and ready to take the next step, Rômulo cannot wait for his second season with the Red Bulls.

His objective is clear: to stay, keep improving and win something with the club.

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