RB Leipzig striker Lois Openda has made it clear that his team’s focus is solely on their upcoming Champions League clash against Liverpool, despite the imminent arrival of legendary manager Jurgen Klopp as Red Bull’s football boss. While Openda is a self-proclaimed admirer of the former Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, and Mainz manager, who will officially take over in January 2025, he insists that discussions about Klopp’s arrival are on hold for now.
“I have not talked to the other players about that,” Openda stated during a press conference on Tuesday. “I think his contract will start in 2025. We have time to discuss (it), but now we’re focusing on the home Champions League (against Liverpool) and the Bundesliga.” The 24-year-old Belgian striker acknowledges the significance of Klopp’s arrival but emphasizes the team’s immediate priorities, which include securing a win against Liverpool and improving their Champions League performance.
Leipzig, currently unbeaten and sitting second in the Bundesliga table on goal difference, has faced a challenging start to their Champions League campaign, losing their first two matches. The English side, on the other hand, is dominating the Premier League table and has won their opening two Champions League fixtures.
Openda anticipates a tough encounter against Liverpool, a team he’s been closely following since Klopp’s time there. “Tomorrow will be a very difficult game. I know — I watched this team and I knew this team when Jurgen Klopp was there. I was looking at the games and the Premier League for sure. “Tomorrow will be a tough game, but we want also to change what we did wrong in the last two games. We played good games, but we made some mistakes.”
The Belgian striker, who joined Leipzig in the summer of 2023, has made an immediate impact, scoring 24 goals in his first league campaign. He has continued his impressive form this season, netting four goals in seven Bundesliga appearances.
Openda identified two key Liverpool players that Leipzig must keep a close eye on – Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold. “If I look at one player who is really crazy, it’s Mo Salah. He’s one of the best players in the world. He’s always dangerous — (then) he comes in with his left foot and shoots.” He also acknowledged Alexander-Arnold’s exceptional set-piece abilities, stating, “The set pieces with Alexander-Arnold, we know his right foot is totally amazing. We have to also be patient and not do anything stupid. You have to go out and counter, so you have to be aware of everything.”
This upcoming Champions League encounter promises to be a tense and exciting affair, with both teams aiming to secure a vital victory. Openda’s focus on the immediate task at hand is a testament to the team’s commitment and determination to overcome the challenges ahead.