RB Leipzig can rely on top strikers Loïs Openda and Amadou Haidara in the Champions League against Liverpool FC. The duo was injured after the win in Mainz, but completed their last training session today. Both Openda and Haidara are expected to be in the starting lineup against the former English champions on Wednesday (9 p.m./DAZN).

After two games, Leipzig is still without points in the new league format of the top division. Coach Marco Rose described Liverpool as “a plank”, but they still wanted to “start scoring. That would take the pressure off us at the back.” Each team has eight games in the league phase. To reach the next round, they must finish in the top 24 of the 36 teams.

Simons and the childhood dream

Xavi Simons will play a key role at Leipzig. The Dutch international is in better form again after a mixed start to the season. “These are the games you dream about as a little child. I get goosebumps when I think about it,” said the 21-year-old. Simons has yet to score a goal in the Champions League this season, which is below his abilities. “There are ups and downs. I still have a lot to learn,” said Simons.

A willingness to learn that coach Rose also attests to Benjamin Sesko. The 21-year-old missed a great chance in Mainz on Saturday and overlooked Simons, who was in a much better position. Sky expert Dietmar Hamann then said that he would have immediately replaced Sesko as coach, which he had no understanding for.

Rose sees the situation less emotionally. “I have guys who think well about themselves. Sesko knew he had to play the ball. But now it’s OK, he didn’t hurt anyone,” Rose said. “What should I do? Should I fire him just so someone can get served? We dealt with it very self-critically.”