Nusa putting in extra work ahead of Stuttgart clash | OneFootball

RB Leipzig are heading into the business end of the season ahead of the big game against Stuttgart – and Antonio Nusa clearly recognises the importance of this stage of the campaign. After Wednesday’s training session, the winger chose to stay out on the pitch for almost another half an hour, working on his finishing, one-on-ones and repetition drills. 

“I train as long as I can every day,” said the 20-year-old. “We’re trying everything to improve. I just love playing football.”

More end product, less woodwork

Nusa will be hoping that extra work soon brings greater reward in front of goal. His last strike came on matchday 19 against Heidenheim, and he has managed two goals and two assists in the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal so far this season. For a player as ambitious as he is, that return will feel too low.

“There are phases in football when you’re more clinical – and phases when you’re less clinical,” explained the 20-year-old. “The most important thing is to stay true to yourself and keep working every day. It will pay off.”

There could easily have been more reward for his efforts. Nusa has hit the post three times this season – a league-high tally he shares with Bayern's Michael Olise. He is taking it in good humour, though, smiling: “It seems the post doesn’t like me that much – or maybe it likes me a bit too much,” he laughed. “I just need to aim a little more towards the inside.”

Focus on Stuttgart – and the decisive weeks ahead

The next big test awaits on Sunday at the MHP Arena. Leipzig are looking to make up more ground with an away win – and Nusa made it clear what matters now: “Every game is crucial now. We have to take it day by day and rise to the challenge. We’re approaching Sunday full of confidence.”

He is deliberately shutting out what the teams around them are doing: “I’m not thinking about the other games. I’m only focused on how we want to play. That’s what we’re preparing for. We can’t influence anything else.”

Mintzlaff’s words provide a lift

There is also an added energy boost coming from inside the club. After the Augsburg game, Oliver Mintzlaff rallied the squad for the decisive stretch of the season – and Nusa explained what that means to the players. “He cares a lot about the club and has huge passion for every single one of us,” said Antonio. “He believes in each of us and that gives us a lift. This part of the season is very important for everyone at the club.”

And that is exactly why Nusa stays out longer after training: because in weeks like these, it is often not the spectacular moments that make the difference, but the last yard, the last touch and the last per cent.

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