Rocco Reitz speaks on controversial transfer to RB Leipzig in introductory press conference

Rocco Reitz speaks on controversial transfer to RB Leipzig in introductory press conference RB Leipzig midfielder Rocco Reitz addressed the criticism he received for leaving his long-time academy club when speaking at his official introductory press conference on Monday afternoon. Reitz – a Duisburg-native – worked in the Borussia Mönchengladbach academy from 2009 onwards. Fan protests accompanied the 24-year-old’s decision to depart the only club he had hitherto represented for one of the Bundesliga’s more unpopular clubs.  Reitz freely admitted that all the flack directed his way did affect him. The player’s primary coping mechanism involved relying upon his family and engaging with social media as little as possible. How Reitz will react to the fact that Gladbach are headed back to Leipzig to contest the 2026/27 Bundesliga season opener remains to be seen. The Germany U21 international also responded to a question about the random scheduling quirk. Rocco Reitz speaks on the Gladbach protests “ Yes, of course one notices all of it,” Reitz responded on what it felt like to see Gladbach fans protest against him whilst he was donning the captain’s armband whilst playing a late-season match in Leipzig. “ It’s not as if it all rolls of your shoulders, but I think having a stable environment [helps]. My wife and my kids helped me out a lot. Of course, my father, my brother and the rest of my immediate family. “I think it’s also important to spend very little time on social media and focus on the important things, ” Reitz continued. “ At the end of the day, everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. Whether it’s right or wrong is for others to judge. For me, it was all more-or-less okay. “ Reitz on immediately facing Gladbach again “ A slight smirk immediately crossed my lips,”  Reitz answered in response to the subsequent question about the season opener. “ I thought, there’s more craziness. I’m really looking forward to it, especially seeing the lads again after I wasn’t able to really say goodbye properly given the way things turned out. “ I’m happy to welcome the guys and compete against them, ” Reitz continued. “ I get to say goodbye and then hello again. Once we’re all on the pitch, it’s all about the three points [at stake]. I hope we’ll be able to keep the points here. “ GGFN  |  Peter Weis