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SportsKaiserslautern 0-0 in Friendly, Coach Praises New Signing Kanaté
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1. FC Kaiserslautern ended their week-long training camp with a 0-0 draw against Italian second-division side FC Südtirol in Sterzing, in front of 2,000 spectators. Despite the lack of goals, coach Torsten Lieberknecht praised his team's attitude, intensity, and defensive work. He singled out new signing Ibrahim Kanaté, a 19-year-old left winger from Mali, who revitalized the attack after coming on at halftime. Lieberknecht highlighted Kanaté's one-on-one ability and counter-pressing, but cautioned that the youngster still needs to learn energy management. Center-back Jacob Rasmussen noted the team's progress in defense but lamented the failure to score. Marlon Ritter was substituted as a precaution due to minor issues. The team will have two days off before a more serious test against FC Metz on August 1, where playing time will be extended to 3x45 minutes.
Source report
Sterzing (South Tyrol) – At the conclusion of their week-long training camp, 1. FC Kaiserslautern played to a 0-0 draw against Italian second-division side FC Südtirol in front of 2,000 spectators in Sterzing. Despite the goalless result, coach Torsten Lieberknecht (52) praised his team's attitude – and singled out one newcomer for particular praise.
The demanding training sessions clearly took their toll on the Red Devils, resulting in a combative but uneventful match. Center-back Jacob Rasmussen (29) summed it up succinctly:
"What went really well: We didn't concede a goal. What went badly: We didn't score any goals."
Nevertheless, the Dane saw clear progress in their play. Lieberknecht noted: "The attitude, the intensity, and the defensive work were superb." His only criticism was the poor conversion of chances and a lack of courage at times to find solutions through the center.
Precautionary Measure for Ritter
While Marlon Ritter (31) was substituted as a pure precaution after minor issues, Lieberknecht brought on eight new players at halftime. One in particular caught the eye: new signing Ibrahim Kanaté (19). The left winger from Mali revitalized the attacking play.
His coach praised: "With Ibrahim, it's clear that he stands out in one-on-one situations. But he also distinguishes himself by immediately going into counter-pressing and winning the ball back."
At the same time, Lieberknecht tempered expectations for the youngster: "He still needs to learn how to manage his energy properly."
Lautern new signing Ibrahim Kanaté (19, front). Photo: picture alliance/foto2press
After a final team evening, the squad returns home, followed by two days off for recovery. The focus then shifts to a real test: Against FC Metz (August 1, 2:00 PM, Stade Yvan Tépus in Homécourt), playing time will be 3 x 45 minutes – and Lieberknecht expects to see his players on the pitch for over 70 minutes.
Source
BILD - SportWestern
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Goalless Friendly: Kaiserslautern Coach Praises New Signing Kanaté