Marco Rose praises Xavi Simmons as a game-changer

After Xavi Simons, Sheshko and Baumgartner scored, Leipzig finally defeated Brighton 4-2 in the focus game of the 16th round of the 2024/25 Bundesliga. Marco Rose said he was very happy that the team started the new year with a victory and praised Xavi Simons as a player who can change the trend in the game.

In the 23rd minute, Xavi Simmons received a pass from Oponda and broke into the penalty area with a low shot, helping Leipzig to open the scoring with a 1-0 lead. Only three minutes later, Mark Grull assisted Mitchell Weiser to score, tying the score for Bremen at 1-1.

In the 35th minute, Vermeeren passed the ball to Xavi Simons, who scored with a long shot, helping Leipzig take the lead again with 2 to 1. In the 47th minute of the second half, Sheshko scored after receiving the ball, helping Leipzig continue to lead Bremen with 3 to 1.

In the 90th minute, Baumgartner scored after receiving a diagonal pass from Andre Silva, further expanding Leipzig's lead to 4 to 1. Three minutes later, Oliver Burke scored against Leipzig, helping Bremen to make the score 2 to 4.

In the end, Leipzig defeated Bremen 4-2 at home and successfully returned to the winning track. Currently, Leipzig ranks fourth in the standings with 30 points, 2 points ahead of Mainz, which is in fifth place.

Xavi Simmons: I always believed in myself

Leipzig coach Marco Rose said, "I am very happy that the team can start the new year with 3 points. This is a very exciting game. Both sides are very strong, which is what we expected. Both teams use man-to-man defense and there is a lot of space on the court."

"We were unbelievably physical and the players played really well so we deserved the win."

Talking about Xavi Simmons who returned from injury, Marco Rose said, "Xavi Simmons is an excellent player who can often change the course of the game. I praised him after the game, not only because of his performance in this game, but also because of his efforts to come back. He returned to the court in a wonderful way, and the same thing applies to Raum who performed outstandingly."

In addition, Xavi Simmons said, "I am very happy to be back on the court and fight with my teammates. This is the first time in my career that I have been injured so seriously. It is not easy. But it feels really good to be able to return to what I love to do most."

"I always believed in myself and never doubted myself. I know how hard I worked to come back strong, and the most important thing is that the team got three points."