Demichelis brings ‘competitive aura’ to Leipzig before City reunion

Manchester City veteran Martin Demichelis is set to bring a "competitive aura" to RB Leipzig as the German club host the Premier League giants in the Champions League on Wednesday. Demichelis spent three seasons at Manchester City, winning the 2013-14 Premier League title and two League Cups. With Leipzig currently sitting 29th in the Bundesliga and struggling in the Champions League, the former Argentina centre-back hopes his return to the Etihad will help secure success for the Saxony-based side.

Leipzig have beaten City just once in six attempts, but may view the English side as vulnerable after losing twice and winning one match on penalties in their past three games. Demichelis, 45, was controversially appointed by Red Bull boss Jurgen Klopp to take over at Leipzig this summer, replacing popular coach Ole Werner. The former Mallorca player was sacked after a rocky start, but has since led Leipzig to three consecutive wins.

Leipzig centre-back Maxime Esteve has praised Demichelis' competitive nature, noting that the coach is "not willing to lose" and displays a "competitive aura" both in training and during matches. Esteve, who previously played with former City teammate Vincent Kompany, compared Demichelis to the Belgian, highlighting their shared focus on maintaining fitness and attention to detail in their preparation.