Oct 31, 2026 11:45 AM
Searching for their first away points, the RB Leipzig boss demands tactical intelligence and fearlessness against a stubborn Schalke defense following a gritty cup victory.
RB Leipzig head coach Martín Demichelis has warned his players to expect an aggressive Schalke 04 side when the two teams meet at the Veltins-Arena this afternoon.
Leipzig travel to Gelsenkirchen searching for their first Bundesliga away points of the season, having won all four of their home league matches but struggling to reproduce those performances on the road.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Demichelis highlighted Schalke's defensive organisation, praised his squad's fitness and explained why Leipzig's dramatic DFB-Pokal comeback against Rot-Weiss Essen could prove important.
The Argentine also discussed his upcoming reunion with former Manchester City teammate Edin Džeko.
Demichelis Expects Aggressive Schalke Approach
"We've analysed Schalke and expect a very aggressive team. They don't create many chances, but they also don't concede many goals. They have a playing style that got them promoted. That style hasn't changed."
Schalke have endured a difficult return to the Bundesliga, scoring only four goals in their opening seven league matches.
However, their defensive performances at home have been considerably more encouraging.
The Royal Blues held Bayern Munich and Elversberg to goalless draws before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat against Mainz, meaning they have conceded just once in their first three home fixtures.
For Leipzig, breaking down that defensive structure will be essential.
Demichelis believes his players must approach the match intelligently rather than simply relying on their attacking quality.
"We have to be clever,"
The Argentinian coach pointed towards Tuesday's 2-1 DFB-Pokal victory over Essen as an example of the mentality he wants to see.
Despite conceding early and losing Nicolas Seiwald to a second yellow card before half-time, Leipzig recovered through two late goals from Christoph Baumgartner.
"With one less player, we were courageous both with and without the ball. We have to do exactly the same thing. We took the next step forward in Essen. We turned a result around for the first time and we're going to Schalke full of confidence."
Demichelis Rejects Fatigue Excuses
Leipzig's trip to Schalke concludes another demanding week that has included Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal fixtures.
However, Demichelis dismissed suggestions that fatigue could become an excuse for a disappointing performance.
"We're fit. The game three days ago was the best example of that. There are no excuses for not at least running."
The Argentine also defended his decision to rotate heavily during Leipzig's 4-0 victory over Elversberg last weekend.
"The rotation against Elversberg was also very important to me. This way we can always attack during these midweek fixtures without any worries."
Demichelis revealed that 22 outfield players participated in training on Friday, giving him considerable flexibility when selecting his team.
Christopher Nkunku has returned to the squad after recovering from adductor problems, although the French forward is expected to begin on the bench.
Baumgartner will also remain among the substitutes despite his match-winning brace against Essen.
"Baumi won't start tomorrow,"
The Austrian is still building his fitness after a lengthy injury absence, and Die Roten Bullen are unwilling to rush him back into the starting eleven.
Maxime Estève, Assan Ouédraogo and Marc Guiu remain unavailable.
Special Reunion With Edin Džeko
Saturday's encounter will also bring a personal reunion for Demichelis, who played alongside Schalke striker Edin Džeko at Manchester City.
The pair won the Premier League and League Cup together during the 2013/14 season, having previously faced each other in the Bundesliga when Demichelis represented Bayern Munich and Džeko played for Wolfsburg.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing Edin tomorrow. It's incredible that he's still playing. We played together at Manchester City for three years ten years ago. I also played against him, with Bayern against Wolfsburg."
Džeko, now 40, remains an important figure in Schalke's attack and will be hoping to cause problems for Leipzig's defence.
Demichelis expressed admiration for the Bosnian's longevity but made it clear that their friendship would not influence his approach.
"I hope he enjoys football until the very last day of his career. But right now he's still a player, and I'm a coach. I'm determined to win."
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