While it is the young stars of the RB Leipzig side receiving the deserved credit on the pitch – especially Xavi Simons – there are three veterans who are considered as equally as important for head head coach Marco Rose. Yussuf Poulsen, Emil Forsberg and Kevin Kampl are considered to be three of the club’s most important leaders on and off the pitch, with Rose commenting after their victory against Augsburg: “The boys are really important.”
Nevertheless, all three see their contracts expiring at the end of the season and Die Roten Bullen are hoping that extensions can be made. While Bild have reported that Forberg is set to sign a one year extension – with an option of two further years – discussions with Poulsen and Kampl are yet to begin.
Borussia Dortmund saw an offer for the Danish striker rejected in the summer with Leipzig insisting they want to ensure Poulsen remains at the club for the long-term. With the 29-year-old finally back to full fitness, he is hoping that talks will begin soon: “There is no rush at the moment, but the discussions have to be held soon.”
As for Kampl, the Slovenian international proved his importance to the Leipzig side in the absence of Willi Orbán and Péter Gulácsi by captaining the side on matchday four. While discussions over a deal have not yet started, Rose would explain the decision to entrust Kampl with the armband: “He deserves it, he brings structure to our game and is extremely important.”
With Leipzig starting the season in phenomenal fashion, despite an early setback against Bayer Leverkusen, ensuring that key figures are aware of their future could be crucial to the success of the side this season.
GGFN | Will Shopland
