By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Things currently couldn't be more challenging for Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer.
The Austrian international finds himself in the middle of eventful times ahead of the second leg of the Euro League semis against the Glasgow Rangers this Thursday.
While a narrow 1-0 lead out of the first leg gives RB a slight advantage, the team has lost ground in the race for a Champions League qualification spot in the national league.
Prospects to win titles in the Euro League when reaching the final in Sevilla on May 18 and the German Cup final against Freiburg on May 21 come along with the fact that the can still needs to be kicked down the road.
As if sportive tasks ahead alone wouldn't demand a man's entire concentration, Laimer has to decide about his future as several clubs have placed offers to sign him.
International sides from the Premier League have reportedly joined the race aside from Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. German media see Bayern and the players' former coach Julian Nagelsmann in the pole position.
The robust midfielder might feel overburdened with too many things in motion. "It doesn't make sense to take up talks in the season's decisive weeks," he said.
"I would have to think about issues that are less important than our games. It would cause additional unrest," he added.
The Salzburg born player said: "I am turning 25 this summer and feel old enough to make the right decision about my next step." To stay in Leipzig is not out of sight, but might depend on the season outcome.
Reports speak of at least 20 million euros to make Leipzig accept his departure despite an until 2023 running contract. Others talk of an exit clause worth 37 million euros.
Laimer said the examples of Timo Werner and Marcel Sabitzer aren't affecting his decision "as things can go in every direction."
Werner (Chelsea) and Sabitzer (Bayern) didn't manage to achieve their breakthrough at their new club.
The unhappy cases can't be compared to his situation as the next moves always depend on the particular circumstances; he adds.
"It's good to collect information, but it's on me to make a final decision for myself. I must entirely focus on my issue and not think about others."
Last year Bayern's attempts to sign the midfielder had failed. The second try is said to be more promising.
With Laimer not being the only uncertain case in Leipzig, rumors meanwhile seem to affect the team's performance. Two lost league games in the series might tell the story.
Bayern coach Nagelsmann is said to think about RB's French international Christopher Nkunku. The 24-year-old attracted attention after 18 season goals and 15 assists.
It seems a delicate task for Leipzig coach Domenico Tedesco to keep all pieces together and lead the team to win the club's first title.
It's about his team having to accept stressful but promising times as "they created a situation with a tight schedule due to the achievements. It's on us to feel the excitement and accept the unfamiliar game rhythm as something positive," Tedesco said. ■
