Hjulmand ahead of #RBLB04: ‘Fifty-fifty game’ away to strong Leipzig team

"It's another very important game for us, we're not done yet this year," said Kasper Hjulmand at the start of the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. "We’re up against a great opponent with an attacking style of play. The typical Red Bull philosophy. They have a lot of quality and are particularly strong at home." Leipzig have won all six Bundesliga home games at the Red Bull Arena this term. Hjulmand's assessment: "It's a fifty-fifty game."

Aiming for victory "for an even better Christmas"

It was an unusual but welcome week for the Werkself. For the first time since the end of September, there were no midweek games or international matches. "We made good use of the time. Intensive training on Tuesday was new for us (laughs)," said Hjulmand. "Now we're away full of anticipation and we’ll give everything to get the three points - and then have an even better Christmas. That's our goal."

The press conference was also used to briefly sum up the past few months. When asked, Hjulmand said: "We've progressed in the Pokal, are doing quite well in the Champions League and are up there in the Bundesliga." However, the table is not important at the moment: "It will be important in May. We are currently going from game to game and we always aim to get the three points." The Werkself will have the support of 2,300 travelling Bayer 04 fans at the Red Bull Arena for their final fixture of 2025.

Hopes for Vázquez and Grimaldo – Schick ready

Alongside the Africa Cup of Nations participants, absent players include the suspended Jarell Quansah and the injured Ernest Poku. Exequiel Palacioss is still sidelined, "but he's doing a bit better than expected," says Hjulmand. "We're pleased that Pala is looking good for January."

Patrik Schick, on the other hand, will return to the matchday squad. The same could also apply to Lucas Vázquez ("Maybe he'll be there") and Alejandro Grimaldo ("We’re hopeful"). With or without the duo, Hjulmand made it clear: "We have a great team, a great squad."

Echeverri loan ends

Claudio Echeverri will no longer be part of the squad from the turn of the year, as the head coach announced at the press conference. The on-loan Argentinian is set to return to his parent club Manchester City ahead of schedule. "That's why he won't be in the squad tomorrow," said Hjulmand, who concluded when asked about possible winter signings: "I'll talk to Simon (Rolfes ed.) and then we'll see in January. First of all, we want to end the year successfully."