RB Leipzig are ready for one of their biggest fixtures this season against Borussia Dortmund and want to win in order to continue their challenge for the Bundesliga crown. Currently sitting in second place, a win could bury Dortmund's title hopes and solidify their chances against Bayern Munich.
"We desperately want to win this game," said Nagelsmann ahead of the fixture. We will give everything to try and do that. Gaining a nine point lead on a direct rival for the top spots would be a huge step for us."
Leipzig's challenge has been unexpected. Despite losing top striker Timo Werner, the team has adjusted well and distributed the offense across the field. Winger Angelino and midfielder Dani Olmo have produced massively in big moments, putting less pressure on Alexander Sorloth and Yussuf Poulsen up front.
Dortmund have been in an opposite trend. The team which has, arguably, one of the more talented sides in the league, find themselves in fourth place and eight points off from the top. Lead striker Erling Haaland has been injured but is expected to make a return to the league this weekend. Jadon Sancho has also hit a rough patch but did score last week to kick-start his effort.
"We're in the swing of things," said Nagelsmann when asked about the progress of the season. "When we win, the busy schedule is easier to cope with than when we lose. We need to invest a lot of our energy into this and keep riding this wave. My team's character is unbelievable, mentally we are unbelievably strong and I don't get the feeling that this will drop off any time soon."
Leipzig's schedule will be difficult in the coming weeks with games against Wolfsburg, Union and Leverkusen before the end of the month. It is a stretch that could define their campaign as it is a competitive game of chicken with league leaders Bayern Munich for the top spot.
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