Demichelis warns of Real Madrid's attack while eyeing Mbappé removal

Argentine coach Martín Demichelis will lead RB Leipzig into the Champions League group‑stage clash with Real Madrid on Wednesday 21 October, kick‑off at 16:00 Argentine time. In his pre‑match briefing he lauded José Mourinho and warned that the Merengue’s attack will test his side.

Mourinho praised and Mbappé targeted

Antes the match, Demichelis told reporters, “It is an honour to meet him again, now as a coach.” He recalled lingering memories of a tunnel chat after the 2010 Champions League final, when Mourinho’s Inter beat Bayern Munich. “He inspires respect and wisdom, which is why Madrid sought him with a squad full of stars,” the Argentine added. When asked which opponent he would erase, he replied bluntly, “Remove Kylian.”

He also sidestepped the Ballon d’Or debate, saying, “I am not the one who decides who is the best in the world, but it is clear he is among the best.” The coach’s comments highlighted the French forward’s stature without naming a favourite.

Leipzig’s recent form

Leipzig arrive after a bruising 6‑1 defeat to Bayern Munich on 17 October, where Luis Díaz scored a hat‑trick and goals came from Aleksandar Pavlovic, Michael Olise and Harry Kane. The loss underscored the German side’s defensive frailties.

Bayern relies on Harry Kane's worldwide reputation for Ballon d'Or hope

Four days earlier, however, they had produced a “great performance” against PSV, the Dutch champions, a result Demichelis said should make the squad feel capable of competing “regardless of the system, the opponent and the stadium.”

“We lost to Bayern, but the PSV win shows we can challenge Europe’s elite,” Demichelis affirmed, urging his players to draw confidence from that performance.

German striker considered a top favorite for the 2026 Ballon d’Or

Olé reported the briefing, and a photo by Sergio Pérez shows Demichelis addressing the media before the encounter.