RB Leipzig manager Martin Demichelis says his close friendship with Man City coach Enzo Maresca will be put aside when the sides meet in the fourth round of the Champions League group stage.
Demichelis, who spent three seasons as a player at Man City, spoke ahead of RB Leipzig’s home fixture against the English club.
Maresca worked with Pep Guardiola on two occasions, first as coach of Man City’s Under-23 side and later as his assistant. Demichelis said the pair were together during what he described as the most successful year of Guardiola’s coaching career.
“I have a very close relationship with Enzo Maresca. He is one of my best friends in football, almost like a brother,” said Demichelis.
“We know each other very well, and I understand his philosophy and ideas. Enzo is a winner, and he will work hard to win titles for Man City.”
Demichelis acknowledged that his own experience at the club would offer limited insight into the demands of management.
“I had three wonderful seasons at Man City myself, but that was a long time ago, and coaching is a completely different job,” he added.
No easy solution to Haaland threat
Demichelis believes RB Leipzig must prevent Man City from establishing control if they are to limit the influence of striker Erling Haaland.
“There is no simple answer to how to defend against Haaland. He is an excellent striker,” he said.
The RB Leipzig manager said his players would need to control possession and restrict Man City’s progress from the early stages of attacks.
“The key is to play as an organised, aggressive team and press Man City,” he added.
Demichelis also said RB Leipzig’s performances had become more consistent as his players continued to adapt to his methods and to one another.
“The players need time to get to know me, and I need time to get to know them,” he said.
“We have played three excellent matches in recent weeks. We have become more consistent and performed well away at Schalke, both with and without the ball.”
The next challenge, he said, would be to reproduce that level against a leading opponent at home.
Baumgartner ready to start
Christoph Baumgartner has recovered physically and is available to begin the match, according to Demichelis.
The midfielder played for part of RB Leipzig’s meeting with Real Madrid before featuring for a further 30 minutes last weekend.
“Christoph Baumgartner has recovered well physically. He played some minutes against Real Madrid and another 30 minutes last weekend,” said Demichelis.
“Now we face Man City, and I am happy that he is ready to start.”
