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Showing posts from August, 2020

Upamecano Targeted by Manchester United

RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano has garnered interest from one of the highest profile teams in Europe in Manchester United. According to ESPN, Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would like to add the french defender alongside captain Harry McGuire. Upamecano has made a tremendous name for himself over the course of the last season, helming the Leipzig back line during the injury spell of captain Willi Orban. This season, the Frenchman has played in 37 games for Leipzig and was a major part of why the team went to the UEFA Champions League semi-final.  Interest isn't just coming from Manchester United. Arsenal was linked for some time and a move seemed imminent. However, the transfer fee was an issue but now Upamecano's new deal makes it possible for a team like United to make their move. For now, the player will remain in East Germany until 2023 according to his new contract. However he does have a 40 million plus Euro release clause that could be the difference. Leipz

New York Red Bulls, New England Revolution fight to a draw

(photo by Matt Kremkau) Gillette Stadium is a place where victories for the traveling New York Red Bulls are rare, and in most cases, none to be found. They have only won three matches since the Revolution started playing in that facility, a venerable fortress for them, and a house of horrors for visitors. Chris Armas and his crew were looking to get any points on the road before heading home against DC United on Wednesday night. Both teams would exhibit some sloppiness in their build-up play early on, making such offensive chances far and few in between. But then the Red Bulls would start making inroads in their attack, finding spaces and looking more like the dangerous side late in the first half. They would be rewarded for their efforts in the 35th minute as Omir Fernandez takes the ball at the top of the box, splits two Revolution defenders and passed it Ben Mines, who quickly touch-passed the ball back to Omir who powers his shot in the back of the net to give New York the lead. H

Yvon Mvogo Joins PSV on Loan, Signs New Leipzig Deal

Back-up goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo will be joining PSV on loan just after signing an extension with RB Leipzig that will keep him with the club until 2023. The move is not surprising considering the form of Peter Gulacsi but the eventual starter will need minutes. The move will take Mvogo away from Leipzig for all of the 2020-21 season. "I want to be playing football and I want to be improving," said Mvogo. "I saw a chance to do this at PSV. I'm looking forward to moving to Eindhoven and I will give my all to help the club reach their goals. I also hope Leipzig have a successful season." The 26-year-old Swiss goalkeeper joined the club in 2017 but has only made 19 total appearances across that time. Despite this, the team feels confident in his future in East Germany as does Mvogo who decided to stay with the team despite his lack of minutes. "Yvon has developed well over the last few years," said Sporting Director Markus Krosche. "He needs game time i

Armas and Red Bulls "Keep Plugging Away" to Find Offensive Fixes

New York Red Bulls are well aware that there is a goal-scoring problem on the team, especially after their 1-0 loss to the Philadelphia Union last night at Subaru Park. The game was marked by an inability to cash in on chances created and once again highlighted the team's lack of finishing at the top of the offense. "You keep plugging away," said Armas after the game. "Emphasizing all of the things that are important in the final third, which is not so easy. Decision making, the type of pass you can give to get guys running behind with quality. We'll keep working at that as we take a hard look." It is easy to point out that New York has not been able to adequately replace all-time leading goal-scorer Bradley Wright-Phillips. Since the beginning of the season, New York has only scored more than one goal on one occasion. That was an opening day win over FC Cincinnati back in February. Since then the team has relied on ugly goals and staunch defense to grab the

Defensive mistake helps Union shut down Red Bulls

Just a few days after squeaking past NYCFC 1-0, the New York Red Bulls travel down I-95 to Subaru Park to clash with the Philadelphia Union. A team that eliminated them in the First Round of the Eastern Conference MLS Playoffs last October. Marco Fabian's goal in extra time completed the come-from-behind victory and sent the Red Bulls to a bitter off-season. Other than looking for three valuable points in a critical conference match, one would be forgiven if revenge isn't on the minds of coach Chris Armas and his team. But the facility that began life as Talen Energy Stadium has been a house of horrors for the Red Bulls as of late, just winning two out of the last five matches played in Chester, with their last victory was two seasons ago, a 1-0 result thanks to Kaku's converted penalty kick in the 65th minute. Defensive mistake, Union capitalizes With both teams playing similar styles, one would anticipate a lot of action on the pitch, but both teams effectively disrupted

Armas on Forward Goal Drought: "Even Barcelona Has Difficulties"

(photo by Matt Kremkau) New York Red Bulls returned to MLS play on Thursday evening, picking up a big win against NYCFC but still have yet to have a goal come from the forward position. A new formation saw Daniel Royer sitting at the top of the attack but the former winger wasn't able to effect the game on the score sheet. Despite this, head coach Chris Armas is positive on what he's seeing from his options "Even Barcelona has difficulties at times breaking down a low block," said Armas about City's efforts to stifle the Red Bulls offense. "We're a team that's built for transition. We're going to keep getting better at how to break down shapes like that." The game's only goal came from defender Kyle Duncan. A second half effort fell to the young wing-back who rocketed a shot to City keeper Sean Johnson. The ball cross the line after the ball was mishandled, handing New York a bit of luck that was well deserved considering the possession a

Armas on NYCFC: "No Secret They Have Dangerous Attackers"

(photo by Matt Kremkau)   New York Red Bulls resume the MLS regular season tonight against rivals NYCFC at Red Bull Arena and head coach Chris Armas is well aware of the kind of team he will be facing. Despite a bad start with only one win in five games in 2020, the Red Bulls coach knows the weapons they are up against. "It's no secret they have dangerous attackers," said Armas. "Whether it's Castellanos, Heber, Medina, McKay-Stevens, Shradi if he's healthy, Mitrita, Moralez... There are DP's and there is quality. This is an interesting trait of their team." Last season City finished in first place in the Eastern Conference while Red Bulls were forced into a play-in game under the new MLS format. This season, New York has a very different look without players like Bradley Wright-Phillips. However, they have forged ahead and are sitting with a 2-2-1 record after the MLS is Back tournament. Expectations are high for NYCFC to rebound but New York still

Paris "Simply the Better Side" According to Nagelsmann

RB Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann was complimentary to his Champions League semifinal opponents Paris Saint Germain after a 3-0 loss eliminated his club on Tuesday. The experience was one that he hopes to take into the future but is aware of gulf in class between the two sides. "PSG was simply the better side," said Nagelsmann after the game. "We have to accept that. We started the game well and won possession effectively. However, we were hectic in the final third and therefore didn't create any clear chances." The admission of the differences between the two sides could be a call for a need to invest in the club. Leipzig made it this far in the competition on a relatively small budget compared to teams like Bayern Munich and PSG. However, they may need more in order to get over the latest hump and move away from being a selling club. Players with more experience that are used to the moment may be required. "We couldn't take advantage of the emotion

Adams on How to Stop PSG: No Written Game Plan

(photo via CBS Sports) RB Leipzig rising star Tyler Adams isn't dwelling on his Champions League quarterfinal heroics too long as his thoughts are already on how to stop Paris Saint Germain. The star-laden team that consists of World cup winner Kylian Mbappe, international star Neymar and veteran winger Angel Di Maria, are poised to fulfill a destiny set out for them since the team began their big spending ways nearly a decade ago. "We haven't yet thought about it," said Adams about their game plan against PSG. "Of course you can say those names and you think of the individual talent that they have and what they've done and achieved already, both of them, at such a young age, winning World Cups, winning the Olympics." While PSG may have the high profile talent, Leipzig also have a series of impressive young players that have been the backbone of their success both in Europe as well as the Bundesliga. Tyler Adams is part of that core. Despite injuries and

NYRB II: Losing Streak Continues as Hartford Athletic down Red Bulls II 2-1

The Baby Bulls traveled north to Connecticut's capital city to take on a very strong Hartford Athletic side that is currently sitting on top of Group F, tied on points with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. After losing three straight matches, John Wolyniec's find themselves in "must-win" mode, and desperate for points to break the slide. Simply put, a win was needed if they want to begin to gain ground on the leaders so they can be one of the top two teams of the group to advance to the USL Championship playoffs. Mistakes have been a common theme with the Red Bulls in every loss during this losing streak, and with goalkeeper Wallis Lapsley out due to a red card during a loss to Loudon United on Wednesday, coach Wolyniec relied on Alex Bobocea for this match. Both teams would have quality scoring chances, with Hartford Athletic testing Alex Bobcea early and often. The Red Bulls nearly got on the board early, but Deri Corfe's shot went wide in front of a wide-open net. H

Nagelsmann on PSG: "I Know My Team will Back Themselves"

Julian Nagelsmann is showing respect for UEFA Champions League semifinal opponent Paris Saint Germain but that doesn't mean he doesn't have faith in his club. Leipzig have put themselves into a position where expectations are high even if against a team that has the talent of PSG. "They (PSG) attack in a different way to Atletico," said Nagelsmann. "They have unbelievable quality and some outstanding individual footballers." That individualism has been a detriment to PSG in the past. Playes like Neymar, Angel Di Maria, Ander Herrera and Kylian Mbappe have yet to find a fluidity in their play. Success in Ligue 1 has come easily but the team has yet to produce consistently on an international stage. Their quarterfinal game against Atalanta was a prime example as Neymar missed key opportunities to put the game away early. Leipzig is a different club. They are are not star-laden and instead play with singular, attack-minded purpose. Despite not having Timo Werne

Leipzig Shock the System by Advancing to UEFA Champions League Final

Leipzig have arrived on the big stage with a major win over Atletico Madrid and advancing to the UEFA Champions League semi-final. The win exemplified years of work that the East German club has made towards legitimizing their process and now have the ability to put themselves among the giants of Europe. "You couldn't write a better story," said long-time striker Yussuf Poulsen. "It is a huge day and an amazing moment - we have to enjoy it. Another fantastic game is around the corner. We were the better team and are deservedly through to the semi-final." Leipzig were certainly the better side, showing that they can break down one of the staunchest defenses in Europe. Madrid are multiple time Champions League finalists and have lifted the Europa League in recent years. One of Leipzig's biggest criticisms over the past few years has been their inability to defeat top teams. In the last two rounds that has changed with wins over Tottenham Hotspur and now Atleti

Loudoun United extends losing streak, defeats 10-Man New York Red Bulls II, 2-1

HARRISON, NJ - After finding themselves winless in the Keystone State, suffering back-to-back losses to both Philadelphia Union II and then getting steamrolled by Pittsburgh Riverhounds 4-1, the New York Red Bulls II limped home to Red Bull Arena looking to get back on track against Loudoun United, a team that John Wolinec's crew have yet to beat, but will face four more times this season. Both losses featured a disturbing trend for John Wolyniec's crew, despite starting off in promising fashion only to make early mistakes that the team could not recover from. Lapley Sees Red Early On The Red Bulls started off very well, as both teams were looking for a much-needed win after suffering tough losses. However, in the 15th minute, Loudoun United forward Alioune Ndour rushed toward the goal, forcing goalkeeper Wallis Lapley to come out to defend, but the ball glanced off Wallis' hands where referee Jeremy Scheer presented him a red card for the errant handball. He would be repla

Rumor: Alex Muyl Traded to Nashville

(Image from Matt Kremkau) New York Red Bulls may not be done making moves this transfer window with the latest rumor from Sam Stejskal being that Alex Muyl will move to Nashville SC for two international spots for 2020 and 2021. The move comes after the announcement that Samuel Tetteh has joined the club on loan from Red Bull Salzburg. Muyl has been with the Red Bulls his entire professional career, having joined the first team in 2016 and playing in 132 games over the course of four seasons. The New York-native was a major part of former head coach Jesse Marsch's plans and played on the wing for a considerable amount of time. He never fully developed into the offensive player that many thought and now will potentially move on in order to progress his career. What New York is getting in return is the ability to continue to bring in players from the international market. Rumors of a better working relationship between Salzburg and New York appears to be coming to fruition with the

Forward Samuel Tetteh Joins New York Red Bulls

  The relationship between New York Red Bulls and Red Bull Salzburg continues as young forward Samuel Tetteh joins on loan for the remainder of the 2020 MLS season. The Ghanaian international has been a staple of the Austrian Bundesliga and can potentially fill the hole left by the departure of Bradley Wright-Phillips. "Samuel is an exciting attacking player that our scouts have been following," said Head of Sport Kevin Thelwell. "He is strong physically and technically, and plays with a lot of confidence. He's got an intelligence in each phase of the game and we believe he'll fit in well with our group." Tetteh's time with Salzburg was brief. The player only made one appearance with his home club in the Austrian Cup back in 2017-18. Since then he has been on loan with LASK, where he played 72 games and scored 16 goals. There is an upside to the 24-year-old in that he's joining a system in need of a lead striker, potentially pushing Brian White or Da

Analysis: Mistakes early and often doom Red Bulls II

In a key match for both teams in Group F, the New York Red Bulls II crossed the state to meet up with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at Highmark Stadium. With both teams separated only by three points for second place, the one thing that John Wolyniec's crew wanted to avoid was giving opponents a fast start early on. Especially to a team that was coached by Bob Lilly. Early goal puts Baby Bulls in a Hole However, just two minutes in, Samad Bounthong fouled Ropapa Mensah in the box, and referee Austin Saini awarded a penalty kick to Pittsburgh. Bounthong received a yellow card for his efforts. Robbie Mertz then converted the penalty kick to give the home side the early one-goal lead. After the first hydration break, the Red Bulls began to assert themselves with some key chances as Jake LaCava found some space on the right side of the penalty area by delivering a curling shot that went just of the post. The Riverhounds would answer with a chance of their own as Ropapa Mensah's header

Report: Leipzig Inquire About Moussa Dembele

  RB Leipzig are interested in adding an elite striker to their young corp and could do so with Olympique Lyonnais player Moussa Dembele. The report comes from L'Equipe and notes that Leipzig have inquired but are wary of the potential 50 million Euro fee. Leipzig have gone on record to say that they will not spend all of the record transfer fee for Timo Werner. However, a player like Dembele could be worth it since he is already a proven commodity in one of Europe's top leagues. Currently, Leipzig are in search of a new lead striker. Despite signing Hwang Hee-chan, the team are still looking for options to deepen their pool. Dembele represents a chance to make a major splash in the transfer market. The 24-year-old has been a force for Lyon over the past two seasons, scoring 42 goals in 89 appearances. He has been sought after by several teams in the past, but Leipzig's current situation could be enticing. Not only would he be the star of the club, but he could also solidif

Union II Halt NYRB II Progress with Late Win

New York Red Bulls II return trip to Chester halted their season progress with a 3-2 loss on Wednesday afternoon. Two weeks ago, the New York Red Bulls II visited Subaru Park and defeated the Philadelphia Union II, 5-1 as the Red Bulls' offensive prowess overwhelmed a team with some defensive issues. The home side just had one simple thing on their minds... Payback. The Philadelphia Union II was winless in their last six matches, and so the organization made a quick coaching change. Sven Garting was relieved of his duties, and former Union defender and West Virginia University Men's soccer coach Marlon LeBlanc took over a squad that had a goal differential of -15. The switch may have been just what was needed to inject some energy into the team. It didn't take long for the change to have some effect, just less than a minute into the match, goalkeeper Wallis Lapsley mistakenly tried to play the ball from the back, and was immediately pressured by Union II forward Patrick Boh

New York Red Bulls Sign Brentford Midfielder Dru Yearwood

New York Red Bulls have announced the signing of 20-year-old Brentford FC midfielder Dru Yearwood. The move comes just before the opening of the secondary transfer window on August 12th and the player should be available for future games once the continuation of the MLS season is announced. "Dru is a talented player that already has a good amount of senior team appearances," said Head of Sport Kevin Thelwell. "He is mature beyond his years and made a great impression upon us during the interview process. We look forward to Dru joining us, continuing to grow and being a part of what we are trying to achieve moving forward." Most of Yearwood's experience comes from the former League One side Southend United. While there he played in 62 games across all competitions but did not score a goal. He moved to Brentford in August of 2019 where he signed a four-year deal but has already moved on to New York after just one season. Over that time he only made two appearances

Exclusive: Jesse Marsch Talks Salzburg, MLS and Ralf Rangnick

Red Bull Salzburg manager Jesse Marsch has had a roller coaster first season at the helm of a European club managing to secure the double winning the Austrian Bundesliga and Austrian Cup. All of this comes with the knowledge and pressure of being an American coach, something that is uncommon in Europe.  Red Bull News Network was able to correspond exclusively with Marsch and discuss some of the lessons learned in New York and Salzburg as well as through his time under the learning tree with former Head of Sport and Development Ralf Rangnick.  RBNN: The 2019-20 season had many obstacles. Still, you managed to guide the team to the double winning the league and cup. What was the biggest challenge you faced in your first season in charge of Red Bull Salzburg? Jesse Marsch : "I think my biggest challenge in the 2019-20 with Red Bull Salzburg was being able to communicate effectively in another language. When I first came to Salzburg was the first time that I worked completely in Germa

Hwang on Joining Leipzig: "I want to put my personal goals last"

New RB Leipzig striker Hwang Hee-chan spoke with the media earlier in the week and let it be known that he is in Germany, first and foremost, to help his team reach their ultimate goals. The Korean striker is willing to put his own personal goals aside in order to get the East German club where they want to be, atop the Bundesliga. "I want to put my personal goals last," said Hwang. "I want to do my best for the team and that will always come first." Hwang joins the club after a successful spell with Red Bull Salzburg. While there he raised the Austrian Bundesliga title four times and was a key part of the reconstruction of the current team under manager Jesse Marsch. Over the course of those four years Hwang scored 45 goals in 126 total appearances. While those numbers may not seem like those of a striker, he was malleable, changing positions when needed. "I'm a strong runner and love to score goals, but I also like to provide assists here and there. I fee

Match Preview: Philadelphia Union II vs. New York Red Bulls II

(photo from New York Red Bulls II) The New York Red Bulls II return to Subaru Park in Chester, PA as their abbreviated USL Championship season continues after a short break. The last time they were here nearly two weeks ago, the Red Bulls' offensive punch was on full display, including an explosive segment that saw the visitors score three goals in a seven-minute span, on route to a 5-1 victory.   They will return without one of their key players: midfielder Kyle Zajac. After suffered a fractured left foot injury against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at Red Bull Arena on Sunday, surgery is scheduled and Zajec will miss the remainder of the 2020 season. After taking a much-needed break after a brutal schedule that had them play three games in seven days they'll be doing it again. After Philadelphia, NYRB II will cross the state to take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday, then finally return home against Loudon United on Wednesday. With the team currently sitting three poi

RBNN: The Podcast Episode 1 - RBNY Fails in MLS is Back

It is the first episode of RBNN: The Podcast! Host Anthony Merced runs down the New York Red Bulls exit in the MLS is Back tournament as well as takes you through all of the major news and notes from both Salzburg and Leipzig. RBNN: The Podcast · RBNN The Podcast Episode 1: RBNY Fail in MLS is Back