Leipzig’s erratic form fuels PSV’s tactical dilemma on Tuesday
PSV will meet RB Leipzig on Tuesday evening, a club that has displayed two contrasting faces this season, editor Karel Osthoff reports. Leipzig’s recent 6‑0 demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt highlights the attacking threat that awaits the Eindhoven side as both teams prepare for a crucial League clash.
Leipzig’s volatile start and recent revival
The German side endured a difficult start to the campaign, losing 4‑1 to Como in their opening Champions League fixture. Subsequent defeats to Werder Bremen (3‑1) and Bayer Leverkusen (2‑0) added to the unease, but a 6‑0 home victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday showed what the Roten Bullen can achieve when everything clicks.
Injuries, squad turnover and tactical overhaul
Benjamin Post, clubwatcher for the Leipziger Volkszeitung, explained that injuries have hampered Leipzig’s ability to settle a consistent starting eleven. "Last season Christoph Baumgartner was top scorer, but he is sidelined. Assan Ouédraogo, who can make the difference, is also unavailable," he said, adding that minor knocks are frequent. Late arrivals such as Christopher Nkunku, who netted a hat‑trick against Frankfurt, and Neil El Aynaoui have further complicated preparation.
Following the replacement of Ole Werner with Martín Demichelis, the coach aims to raise the press, increase speed after loss of possession and build attacks from greater ball control. Post noted, "It still lacks automatism, creativity and sharpness in front of goal," underscoring the work still required.
Bosz predicts a fiery Champions League night in Leipzig against PSV
What PSV must guard against
Technical director Marcel Schäfer voiced confidence in Demichelis, stating, "Demichelis works calmly and knows it takes time to embed his style." Yet the club leadership is urging calm, aware that continued poor results could spark further unrest among supporters.
Former PSV striker Johan Bakayoko, now with Leipzig, has struggled to find form. He was suspended for the Frankfurt match, but is eligible to face PSV. Post observed, "Bakayoko started last season well, then suffered a stubborn calf injury. After the winter break he still had it and couldn’t regain rhythm," and added that his performances this season have been inconsistent.
Post warned PSV that Leipzig’s attacking firepower, especially at home and in Champions League evening duels, can unleash a huge force. "Voor the home games and Champions fixtures, Leipzig can become an enormous threat," he said, while also highlighting a defensive frailty: "Leipzig is vulnerable to errors and struggles to stay compact against technically strong teams, a point PSV can exploit."
De Mos believes PSV can beat Leipzig and deflects criticism
Tuesday night therefore carries significant stakes for the Germans. After the loss to Como, a win is essential to keep their European ambitions alive. "Leipzig wants at least the group stage of the Champions League. Another defeat would be a big setback," Post concluded.