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Nkunku: "I Haven't Come to Leipzig Just to Disappear"


RB Leipzig midfielder Christopher Nkunku has made it clear that he doesn't see the East German club as a stepping stone and wants to win in Germany. The 22-year-old joined Leipzig last season and became an essential starter by the mid-season break. Now, he hopes to continue that success in the 2020-21 campaign.

"I haven't come to Leipzig just to disappear right away," said Nkunku to Sport Bild. "I'm not running off to a bigger club. I want to win something with RB."

It has been an off-season of exits thus far for Leipzig as they've seen star striker Timo Werner exit as well as rumors of interest from major clubs for defender Dayot Upamecano. Rotation is something that the club has dealt with in the past as they are confident in the group of young players that they've allowed to shape the club. Now, it is a matter of pushing past the noise and lifting a trophy.

To do that, it may be necessary for players to remain with the club. Werner stood for quite some time, especially after most thought he would leave last season. It appeared as if they would be able to win the Bundesliga but a late season slump allowed Bayern Munich back into the race. Now, it will require a commitment from the club in order to keep players like Nkunku.

"I keep telling them to extend his contract," said Nkunku about his teammate Upamecano. "The question is: Will they listen? I expect him to stay in Leipzig, and I would be very pleased if he did. We have big plans. Dayot is a great guy and a super player."

Leipzig still have a chance to raise silverware this season. August will mark the continuation of the UEFA Champions League with Leipzig preparing for their biggest challenge to date, Atletico Madrid. Julian Nagelsmann's men already defeated last year's runners-up Tottenham Hotspur and hope to do the same with the multi-time Europa League winners.
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