Demichelis bemoans collapse against Como: "The first two goals were gifts"

Defensive mishaps and a lack of cohesion in a new-look squad was Leipzig's undoing in Lombardy according to their head coach.

Photo: Selim Sudheimer/Getty Images.

RB Leipzig's Martin Demichelis has put tonight's chastening 4-1 defeat to Como down to poor defending and a lack of understanding.

“It’s difficult to give a proper analysis right now. The opponent was much better than us," he said in the mixed zone after full-time.

"We needed a better structure against the ball, which wasn’t the case. The first two goals were gifts. You can’t defend like that at this level. 

"You also have to acknowledge that the opponent has been playing together for a good three years; they have a distinct identity.

“That [Como's cohesion] was evident tonight. We have eight new players in the squad. That was also noticeable.

In the second half, we had more possession. But Como’s first attack led to a goal. It’s hard to see anything positive right now," he concluded.

The Saxony-based based club will return to Germany and begin preparations for a clash with an out-of-sorts Hamburger SV side.