Coach Bruno Labbadia was upset with referee Felix Zwayer after VfB Stuttgart's unfortunate 2-1 defeat in Leipzig on Friday evening.

The background is the questionable free-kick whistle in front of the Leipzig opening goal, when Stuttgart's Wataru Endo had actually fought for the ball against Dani Olmo.

"We don't need to talk about that.

You won't get a better ball capture in counterpressing.

I've never seen how you can whistle there.

It doesn't get any better than that.

I can't think of much.

(...) It's shit," said Labbadia on DAZN and also complained about not having received a penalty last Tuesday at TSG Hoffenheim (2: 2): "But we still have to accept that." Leipzig coach Marco Meanwhile, Rose said he "didn't call the foul either."

Dominik Szoboszlai put Leipzig on the road to victory with the converted free kick (25th minute) and later increased it to 2-0 (49th).

Chris Führich (68th penalty) could only shorten.

"It's bitter that we're left empty-handed after such an away game," said Labbadia, taking stock after his first three games as VfB coach: "Two points aren't enough for what we played.

We deserved a lot more.”

"That's really awesome"

At the post-match press conference, Labbadia further elaborated on his criticism.

"I like it when football is just allowed to run its course. Even if we are disadvantaged. But blowing the whistle on things like that – then we have to stop. We need duels in football. Football lives from that. but when it comes to something like that, it's really awesome."

With 16 points, the Stuttgarters are still deep in the relegation battle.

There was also no victory in the third game under new coach Labbadia, who came at the beginning of December.

Before the Hoffenheim game, VfB separated 1-1 from FSV Mainz 05 at the start of the league.

"I'll tell the boys that we have to keep going," said Labbadia.

Meanwhile, Leipzig is threatened with the loss of Olmo.

The Spain international had to be substituted at half-time on Friday night with a hamstring problem.

"The muscle has closed.

I hope nothing major broke,” said coach Rose.

Olmo has been in impressive form lately, scoring three assists and one goal in the 6-1 win over Schalke.

However, the 24-year-old was repeatedly thrown back by injuries during his time in Leipzig.

Most recently, Olmo was absent from mid-September to mid-October due to a knee injury.

The Spaniard is currently playing poker for a new contract.

The working paper, which runs until mid-2024, is to be extended ahead of time and provided with an opt-out clause.