From tactical chaos to recruitment blunders, RB Leipzig's 2025-26 season was a disaster. We dissect what went wrong and what must change to avoid further decline.
RB Leipzig’s identity—once defined by relentless pressing, vertical transitions, and positional discipline—has evaporated in the 2025-26 campaign. Under manager Trainer X, the team has lacked cohesion, switching erratically between a 4-2-3-1 and a poorly structured 3-4-2-1. The result? 58 goals conceded in 28 Bundesliga matches, their worst defensive record in a decade. The high press, once a hallmark of Leipzig’s DNA, became disjointed, allowing opponents to bypass the first line with ease.
The midfield, expected to drive transitions, has been sluggish and uncoordinated. Benjamin Šeško, deployed as a false nine, has been isolated, while Loïs Openda has struggled with inconsistent service. Wingers have drifted inside without width, clogging passing lanes. Defensively, full-backs have been caught out repeatedly, exposing a central defensive pairing that has changed eight times this season due to injuries and poor form. As analysts at Spiegel Sport noted,
"Leipzig no longer plays as a unit—it’s a collection of individuals chasing the same ball without a plan."
The summer 2025 transfer window was supposed to strengthen Leipzig’s core, but instead deepened their crisis. The €35 million acquisition of Rayan Cherki from Lyon has been a bust—plagued by injuries, he’s managed just 2 goals and 3 assists in 17 appearances. His technical flair failed to translate into Bundesliga effectiveness, and his lack of defensive work rate disrupted the team’s balance.
Mathys Tel, on loan from Bayern Munich, was another misfit. Used inconsistently across attacking roles, he failed to deliver, scoring only 4 goals in 22 games. Meanwhile, the departure of Castello Lukeba to Liverpool left a void in central defense that was never filled. The signing of Antonio Rüdiger’s son—a speculative youth move—was rushed, and the 19-year-old was overwhelmed. Sporting director Max Eberl is now under scrutiny for a recruitment strategy that prioritized potential over proven fit.
Trainer X arrived with a reputation for developing young talent, but his tactical rigidity has cost Leipzig dearly. He inherited a transitional squad and faced a brutal early-season schedule, including losses to Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayern Munich. Injuries to key players like Openda and Konrad Laimer further disrupted continuity.
Yet, his in-game management has been widely criticized. Substitutions are often too late, and tactical adjustments during matches are minimal. Leipzig has lost 6 consecutive games in 2026, including a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Dortmund. The team shows no clear response to adversity, suggesting a lack of tactical flexibility and leadership. While not solely responsible, the manager’s inability to adapt has turned a rebuilding phase into a full-blown crisis.
To avoid slipping into Bundesliga mediocrity, Leipzig must act decisively. First, a managerial change is likely necessary. The club needs a tactician who can restore their aggressive identity—someone like Adi Hütter or Nico Kovac, with experience in high-press systems.
Second, recruitment must shift from speculative gambles to targeted, functional signings. A proven striker (e.g. Jean-Philippe Mateta), a defensive midfielder (e.g. Wesley Fofana), and a reliable right-back (e.g. Benjamin Pavard) are urgent needs. Finally, the club must redefine its sporting philosophy: Are they a talent factory or a title contender? The Red Bull model is at a crossroads.
Q: Will RB Leipzig sack their manager?
A: Yes, it appears increasingly likely. With fan unrest growing and the team far below expectations, a managerial overhaul is expected in the summer unless a dramatic turnaround occurs.
Q: Who should RB Leipzig sign in summer 2026?
A: A clinical striker (e.g. Mateta, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia), a defensive midfielder (e.g. Fofana, Palhinha), and an experienced full-back (e.g. Pavard, Jeremie Frimpong).
Q: Why is RB Leipzig playing so badly?
A: A combination of tactical incoherence, failed transfers, lack of on-field leadership, and poor in-game management. The crisis is systemic, not just performance-based.
