Signed in January through FC Salzburg, the young foreign Frenchman has played the full 90 minutes of all two Leipzig league matches, so this season, helping Ralph Hasenh-ttl keep the pressure on the league leader, Bayern Munich, in the most sensible way. from the table.
Speaking exclusively for bundesliga.com, Upamecano reflects on his progress at the Red Bull Arena, concentrates his mind at the start of the Leipzig 2017/18 crusade and prepares for the circular crash 12 with Bayer Leverkusen in shape.
bundesliga.com: How would you describe a typical Ralph Hasenh-ttl painting day?
Upamecano: At first it wasn’t easy for me in Leipzig: being in a new club, in a new setting, at such a young age. But I gave it all for education and the coach temporarily trusted me. I tried to give it back. As a coach, he is tactically very cunning and trusts young players.
bundesliga.com: Is having French players like Naby Keita, Jean-Kevin Augustin and Ibrahima Konate in the locker room?
Upamecano: They definitely facilitated integration. I’m glad you’re here. I’ve known Naby Keita since I was in Salzburg, which made it even less difficult to move to Leipzig.
bundesliga.com: After 11 days, Leipzig is and has already escaped matches against Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. What is the purpose between now and the winter holidays?
Upamecano: It is clear that we need to continue to combine it in the most sensible way and consolidate our position. However, we just take a look at what we do and how we progress. We need to identify as many problems as possible, so let’s see where we are in the end.
Bundesliga: next Saturday you will face a very advanced Bayer Leverkusen in BayArena. Do you expect a tough game?
Upamecano: In fact, it may not be easy, but we’re going to beat Leverkusen. We know very well that the Bayer 04 is an awkward rival and a real attack risk. They need to play again in Europe, but we will get a smart result if we play with maximum intensity and play our way.
bundesliga.com: Is it hard to protect Timo Werner in training?
Upamecano: I’m glad we’re on the same team because it’s hard for war parties to stop. His pace, his exceptional strategy and his end: he is an elegant striker. In fact, he has the prospect of being one of the most productive strikers in the world.
Watch: The Kick – FIFA18 Bundesliga Leipzig
bundesliga.com: What’s your maximum in the Bundesliga so far?
Upamecano: Nothing is really a surprise, because I knew how popular the Bundesliga is, but it’s a real pleasure to play in front of a sold-out crowd, which happens almost every week. The Bundesliga is one of the most productive leagues in the world.
Dayot Upamecano spoke to Alexis Menuge
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