The Star Malaysia

Just too loud for Timo

Germany striker left dizzy by din in Besiktas

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BERLIN: Germany striker Timo Werner has sought medical advice after he had to come off early in RB Leipzig’s defeat at Besiktas because of dizziness caused by the “deafening” noise from the crowd.

“Timo had circulatio­n and breathing problems,” said Leipzig coach Ralph Hasenhuett­l after the 21yearold was hauled off on 32 minutes complainin­g of dizziness in Tuesday’s 20 away defeat.

Hasenhuett­l said Werner went to see a specialist doctor as soon as Leipzig returned home after Tuesday’s away defeat and the striker is set to play in Germany’s key World Cup qualifier away to Northern Ireland next week.

Werner struggled with the intense noise from Besiktas’ fans at the Vodafone Arena and after ear plugs failed to reduce the din for him, he put his hands over his ears in clear distress before being taken off.

Hasenhuett­l admitted the thun

It’s impossible to prepare your team for an atmosphere like this. There was a deafening noise.

Ralph Hasenhuett­l

derous noise from the Turkish crowd was a reason for the defeat in the first away Champions League game in the German club’s history.

“In the first half, the lads were a little overwhelme­d by the occasion,” said Hasenhuett­l.

“It’s impossible to prepare your team for an atmosphere like this. There was a deafening noise.

“It was clear to see that being the young team we are, we need to gain some experience. “It was a lesson for all of us.

“I saw who I can count on in times like these.”

The entire Leipzig team struggled with the din as firsthalf goals by exLiverpoo­l winger Ryan Babel and Brazilian Talisca sealed the win which left Besiktas top of Group G.

“You don’t play every weekend against a backdrop where you can hear nothing else from 5m away. You couldn’t communicat­e on the pitch,” said defender Stefan Ilsanker.

Liverpoolb­ound Naby Keita, who is currently suspended in the Bundesliga for a red card, produced a poor performanc­e at Besiktas and was taken off after 59 minutes, which did not impress Hasenhuett­l.

“Naby was not good today, maybe it would have been better not to have taken him,” admitted the Leipzig coach with the Guinea midfielder to join Liverpool next season.

Having drawn their opening Champions League match 11 at home to Monaco – Leipzig’s debut in Europe – the German club, who finished a surprise second last season in the Bundesliga, are third in their group. — AFP

 ??  ?? Nightmare in Turkey: RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner (left) trying to tackle Besiktas’ Ryan Babel during their Champions League Group G match on Tuesday. Babel scored one of the goals in the 2- 0 win. — Reuters
Nightmare in Turkey: RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner (left) trying to tackle Besiktas’ Ryan Babel during their Champions League Group G match on Tuesday. Babel scored one of the goals in the 2- 0 win. — Reuters

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