Martín Demichelis Ready for Bundesliga Debut as RB Leipzig Face Borussia Mönchengladbach

RB Leipzig will begin their 2026/27 Bundesliga campaign on Saturday afternoon, with Borussia Mönchengladbach the visitors to the Red Bull Arena and Martín Demichelis preparing for his first league match on the touchline.

After seven weeks of preparation, Demichelis believes his team is ready for the challenge, although he knows the opening three points will matter more than anything else.

I'm looking forward to the first matchday. It's not often the case that an Argentine is set to head into a Bundesliga season as head coach. I will try to enjoy it, but the three points are the most important thing. The team has worked hard for seven long weeks and has improved week by week. We're ready. - Martin Demichelis 

For RBL, the opening weekend is about more than simply starting a new season. It is the first competitive Bundesliga test of Demichelis' ideas after a summer spent reshaping the squad and changing the team's approach.

And the coach is expecting Gladbach to provide an immediate tactical challenge.

Demichelis highlighted an important detail in how Eugen Polanski's side approaches defending, pointing out that Gladbach now uses a much more aggressive man-oriented system across the pitch. It is an approach increasingly seen at the highest level, with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain among the teams employing similar principles.

That could make Leipzig's build-up more complicated.

Gladbach have made a major change compared to last season: they now play one-on-one against the ball across the entire pitch. Bayern München defend that way too, as do PSG, which is why many head coaches are now adopting this approach. That wasn't the case before.
We will need to be prepared for that, as it means that our opposition will close us down immediately and will press us hard. We need to make good decisions and find space. We've shown the players that, and we've worked on it in training. - Martin Demichelis on Gladbach's aggressive style

The pressure will not only be on Leipzig's defenders. Demichelis wants the entire team to contribute to a clean build-up, with the first phase of possession setting the tone for everything that follows.

We want to play good football, and in order to do that, we need to be able to work well together from the back to the front. We've continued to work on our defensive set-up over the last few days. There are still small details that we need to iron out. But I've noticed that the entire team is hungry and eager, and that's the most important thing. I have full confidence that every one of my players will be able to perform. - Martin Demichelis on his tactical ideas

There is another storyline likely to dominate the afternoon: Christopher Nkunku's return.

After officially rejoining Leipzig on loan from AC Milan, the former Bundesliga Player of the Season is expected to be part of the squad. Demichelis confirmed that Nkunku trained normally during the week, but cautioned that he is not yet at full match rhythm.

Christo was determined to come back to RB Leipzig. He's happy to be back. He trained as usual this past week and will be part of the squad, but he's not yet in the right rhythm. There are no doubts about his quality on the pitch. A player with his intelligence and skills on the ball doesn't need to play just one position. Whether it's as a number nine, ten, or out wide, he just has to have fun and know that we believe in him. - Martin Demichelis on RBL's new signing, Christopher Nkunku 

Nkunku's involvement would add another layer to an already highly anticipated opening day. Leipzig have spent the summer trying to strengthen their attacking options, and having a player of Nkunku's quality available gives Demichelis another attacking solution, even if the Frenchman is introduced cautiously.

Leipzig Face Blockbuster Champions League Campaign with Real Madrid, Man City and Manchester UnitedFrom the bright lights of the Santiago Bernabéu to a historic trip to Old Trafford, the Red Bulls face an elite gauntlet to prove their European pedigree.

The club has also learned what awaits them in the Champions League as they return to Europe's biggest stage. With giants such as Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid among the teams they could face, the European campaign brings another level of excitement and difficulty.

It will be a major test for this new-look side, but also a huge opportunity to show what they can do against the very best. Alongside the Bundesliga, the Champions League adds another fascinating dimension to the season ahead.

Yesterday was a great night for the entire club and all the staff. Everyone had worked hard to earn that. We have been drawn against some tough opponents. I'm looking forward to getting to play in great stadiums against some very good teams. - Martin Demichelis on the Champions League Draw

But first comes Gladbach.

For Demichelis, his first Bundesliga match is the beginning of the real test. The preparation is over, the ideas have been implemented, and the squad has been assembled.

Now Leipzig have to show it on the pitch.