Angelino, Poulsen open doors, as Leipzig's dreams are growing

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By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- With six victories from as many games, the 2020 Champions League semifinalists' Leipzig start to the 2020-21 season could not be better.

"We're hungry for success," Leipzig's head coach Julian Nagelsmann said.

Having only let in two goals, the East-German side is not only topping the Bundesliga but seems ready to face the challenge of the new Champions League in a group also containing Manchester United and Paris St Germain.

The curtain-raiser on the international stage against Basaksehir (2-0) proved that RB had coped well with the pressures last season.

Only 63 days after the 2020 semifinal against Paris (3-0), Angelino opened the doors for more, scoring two goals.

Not only that, the Brazilian fullback is one of the team's most successful scorers, having also scored two in the domestic league. The Bundesliga's youngest team (23.8 years on average) has compensated for the loss of Timo Werner (Chelsea) and Patrick Schick (Leverkusen), its best strikers last season.

The team's tactics seem well-oiled in a 4-1-4-1 system. RB is also highly flexible tactically. Against the Turks, Leipzig's coach picked Angelino down the left flank rather than his regular job in the back for the first half.

In the second half, he addressed respect to his side's growing fatigue, and the loanee (Manchester City) returned to his original position at the back.

Leipzig is said to hold a buying option for the Brazilian.

All positions seem to be doubled up. Established forces such as Yousuf Poulsen and Emil Forsberg fill the gap upfront with Alexander Sorloth, Hwang Hee-chan, and Justin Kluivert waiting behind.

"We have gained experience and want more this year," Nagelsmann added.

Last season's ride to the semifinal has increased the team's ambitions, the coach added.

"Losing games like that heighten your goals," Nagelsmann said, referring to the disappointment he felt after missing out on the Champions League final against national rival Bayern.

The first legs against the group favorites United and Paris might deliver a hint about Leipzig's new stability.

Nagelsmann claims the game against Basaksehir gave a hint of the extra experience. "The performance wasn't our best, but such games show that we can control even situations like that," Nagelsmann commented.

23-year-old Angelino is a vital figure in the RB coach's plans. Nagelsmann praises his speed and greediness. "He is always pushing forward and showed great qualities in midfield and attack," he added.

The defender is already talking about settling down in Leipzig after often changing clubs over the last years. Meanwhile, the club announced it is seriously considering paying the assumed 20 million euro fee to the Citizens to change things for good for both parties. Enditem

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