“I didn’t get the playing time I felt I deserved” – RB Leipzig attacker embraces bigger role under Demichelis

Tidiam Gomis is enjoying a bigger role at RB Leipzig under Martin Demichelis, admitting that he didn't get the minutes he felt he deserved under Ole Werner last season.

Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

After mostly being limited to a substitute role under Ole Werner last season, Tidiam Gomis has been handed more playing time under new head coach Martin Demichelis at the beginning of this season, playing 323 minutes across six games.

In an interview with Bundesliga media, Gomis reflected on his increased importance at the start of the season, saying he is enjoying working with Demichelis.

“Last year was more difficult for me. I didn’t get the playing time that I felt I deserved,” Gomis admitted in the interview. 

"This year, I have the confidence of the coach, the staff and also my teammates, and you can feel that on the pitch. Now I’m confident as well, and that allows me to make a difference. I’m very happy to be contributing to the team with goals and assists." 

The 20-year-old had further praise for Demichelis, saying the two have a “very good” relationship.

“He’s close to the players and communicates a lot with us. The training sessions are good. We have a good relationship, he knows how to talk to the players, and he gets along well with everyone,” he said.

Gomis also feels he deserves some credit for his increased role, having worked hard himself during the summer break.

“I worked a lot on my physical strength and gained muscle mass since arriving in Leipzig. I also worked on my finishing and on repeatedly making high-intensity efforts because the Bundesliga is a league where you have to do that a lot. Those are the things I worked on," he explained.

Unfortunately for Gomis and RB Leipzig, the youngster had to leave France's U21 camp early due to a knock. The hope is now that he'll be fit and available for the club's coming game against Eintracht Frankfurt on October 10.