RB Leipzig Defies Air Pollution Warnings for Normal Training Amidst High Particulate Matter Levels
Despite severe air pollution and a warning from the German Environment Agency (UBA), RB Leipzig has decided to continue outdoor training without modifications. "We will still go out and train normally. We won’t make any concessions," said coach Marco Rose. "The issue is more about being better prepared for the future." Leipzig is set to face FC Augsburg in the Bundesliga on Friday (8:30 PM CEST / DAZN).
The UBA had advised against outdoor jogging due to elevated particulate matter levels. These elevated levels pose a particular health risk for individuals with asthma, allergies, and acute respiratory diseases. On Wednesday morning, the Leipzig Environmental Office issued an air pollution alert, urging citizens to refrain from car journeys and lighting fireplaces. The current weather conditions are the primary cause of the elevated pollution levels.
The personnel situation for Leipzig’s upcoming match against Augsburg remains largely unchanged. While Anotnio Nusa will be sidelined for an extended period with a knee injury, Yussuf Poulsen returns to the squad. Captain Willi Orban will miss the game due to a red card suspension. Christoph Baumgartner is expected to replace Nusa in the starting lineup.
Last season’s top scorer, Loïs Openda, may once again find himself on the bench against Augsburg, similar to the 2:0 victory over FC St. Pauli. Following his substitute appearance against Hamburg, the Belgian publicized the racist abuse he had endured, which Rose strongly condemned: "I don’t understand it, and I never will. Why would anyone do something like that?" He emphasized his unwavering stance on such matters and advocated for imprisoning those responsible.
Leipzig faces a challenging away match against Augsburg, who are currently unbeaten in five league games. "St. Pauli was on a good run before they came to us. And now, we want to end Augsburg’s streak as well," said Rose, while also cautioning about Alexis Claude-Maurice: "A very skilled footballer who moves well between the lines."
Additional Details and Context
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an annual average particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration of 10 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³).
- The UBA’s warning threshold for PM2.5 is 50 µg/m³ for 24 hours.
- On the day of the training session, the PM2.5 concentration in Leipzig reached approximately 60 µg/m³, according to data from the city’s environmental monitoring network.
- Particulate matter is composed of tiny particles of dust, soot, and smoke.
- Prolonged exposure to high levels of particulate matter can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
- Leipzig’s decision to continue training outdoors despite the elevated pollution levels has drawn criticism from some experts, who argue that the potential health risks to players and staff outweigh the benefits of maintaining a normal training regimen.
- Rose’s comments about "being better prepared for the future" suggest that Leipzig is considering implementing measures to mitigate the impact of air pollution on training and player health in the future.
