Benno Schmitz about the Cologne recipe against RB Leipzig: "With us everyone throws themselves into the ball" Benno Schmitz about the Cologne recipe against RB Leipzig: "With us everyone throws themselves into the ball"

Leipzig. Benno Schmitz played his first Bundesliga game on August 28, 2016 in a 2-2 defeat by the Red Bulls in Hoffenheim. Born in Munich, he shone in Ralph Hasenhüttl's team as an attacking RB right-back and provided the template for Marcel Sabitzer to make it 2-2 just before the final whistle. On May 13, 2018, Schmitz slipped into an RB jersey for the last time – at Dominik Kaiser’s farewell game in the Red Bull Arena. The always friendly loaned the insufficiently equipped reporter a pair of soccer shoes that day. Young father Schmitz, dynamic regular player and flank specialist at 1. FC Köln, about the Friday game at his former club (8.30 p.m./Red Bull Arena), the blessings of growing self-confidence, cheering on from the sidelines and role model Philipp Lahm.

SPORTBUZZER: Do you miss your soccer shoes, Mr. Schmitz?

Benno Schmitz (27): I have a few others that you are welcome to keep (laughs).

They took off under Steffen Baumgart, are called "Kölscher Cafu", cross often and dangerously, have become indispensable. Does that only have to do with Baumgart and increased self-esteem?

Trust from the coach and teammates is definitely important. And if you play regularly and are in rhythm, you will have more confidence in your own game.

You can train as hard as you like, but there is no substitute for competition.

That's how it is.

This competitive level is particularly important in your position on the right side, where you run intensively.

In the Bundesliga, there is no position without power. And as I said, the last percentage points of physique come with the games. We also train extensively and hard under Steffen Baumgart. We play and defend offensively and want to carry our sophisticated style through to every game. Standing in the back and hoping that the opponent doesn't hit and someone slips in the front? We don't want that and we can't do that.

On your side, you have very close contact with the impulsive Mr. Baumgart for half a time in every game. Is that always pleasant for a quiet fellow like you?

He is fully involved, wants to help at every second and is always positive towards us. You won't be folded up after a bad pass. By the way, I'm not that calm on the pitch. Outside already. I don't need attention there.

The Cologne game from the defense largely does not require any free shots and is characterized by relay balls. It looks good, but it's also risky.

It might look riskier than it is from the stands. We firmly believe that the chances of getting space from the opponent and depth are greater for us than the risks of losing the ball.

You trained at FC Bayern under Jupp Heynckes and Pep Guardiola and were on the training ground with Franck Ribéry, Arjen Robben and others. Who made a lasting impression on you?

A lot, especially Philipp Lahm. I can't remember a bad training session or a bad game from him.

The great career of Philipp Lahm in pictures

How intimate is your contact with the Leipzig ex- Colleagues?

I write and talk to Konny Laimer regularly. A class guy.

Who scored two goals in Rastelli style in the 2:3 in Munich.

It is well known that Konny is a machine. But he also developed as a footballer.

Click through NOW: The pictures of the game!

How will things go on Friday? And how do you stop a Christopher Nkunku?

RB are favourites, they have a lot of quality and class, shouldn't have lost in Munich. As always, we'll play forward, that's what the coach wants, that's what we want. I guess this will be an open game. Nkunku is a great player who can only be defended together. Everyone throws themselves into the ball with us. It has to be like that in Leipzig.

You and your wife gave birth to a baby ten months ago. What does that do to a pro soccer player?

It's the most beautiful thing in the world. Not just for a professional soccer player.