RB Leipzig’s Schäfer Cautions Against Overly High Expectations

Amid RB Leipzig’s high ambitions and ongoing struggles in the Bundesliga, sports director Marcel Schäfer has issued a warning regarding the dangers of setting expectations too high. In an interview with the „Mitteldeutsche Zeitung“ and „RBlive,“ the former national player stated that it is crucial to avoid creating a narrative where anything less than a championship title is seen as a disappointment.

Schäfer highlighted that there are still clubs operating on a different financial level, noting that while RB Leipzig aims to reach the top and maximize their potential, victories in the Bundesliga and participation in the Champions League should not be taken for granted.

No Administrative Mindset at RB

The sports director elaborated that development phases may include times of adversity, during which the club must demonstrate solidarity and reflect on what has made them strong. „How can we return even stronger?“ he asked. He emphasized that the club seeks partners who share this mentality, firmly stating, „We do not want an administrative mindset! However, the air is relatively thin at our current position.“

Frustration also surrounds their performance in international competitions this season, with Schäfer viewing the end of the season as a test of character. „Yes, consistently qualifying for the Champions League is our goal, but is it a given? No. This is the burden of our success in recent years – our task is to find a good balance,“ he explained.

Rapid Development of Leipzig

Schäfer noted that the development of RB Leipzig has been „incredibly rapid and unique in Germany,“ pointing out that the club has quickly established itself among the top teams in the Bundesliga with a refreshing style of play.

Currently, coach Marco Rose’s team has managed only one victory in the last seven Bundesliga matches and has slipped to sixth place in the standings. In the Champions League, RB Leipzig was eliminated after winning just one of eight games.