RB Leipzig were brought back down to earth after their incredible 2nd placed in 2016/2017, though a sixth place finish was still a decent conclusion to the season.
Resource-rich Leipzig tried to build on their runner-up position in the previous season with the addition of six first team players. Ralph Hasenhüttl and his team prepared for a first ever Champions League campaign and what was certain to be a tough second season in the league. While Hasenhüttl generally managed his squad well and a third place in their Champions League group led to a Europa League campaign, Leipzig still failed to hit the heights of last season.
After their successes in the previous campaign, many teams began to take notice of Leipzig, both in terms of adjusting to their playing style and making designs on their players. From the very start of the season there were constant rumours, and on the pitch a tougher league season and difficult Champions League group meant consistency was hard to find.
Hasenhüttl’s team battled through though, and notable wins included Bayern away from home as well as big results over Porto and Monaco in Europe. Ultimately the success of the season came down to a month near the end when Leipzig threw away a lead in the quarter final of the Europa League, and failed to win in four in the league to miss out on Champions league football for next season.
Leipzig’s big three from last season: Emil Forsberg, Timo Werner and Naby Keita failed to live up to expectations amid constant transfer speculation. Forsberg missed 4 months of the season with a muscle injury and only played 15 games while Keita and Werner both had some success, but were unable to be consistent.
Keita had some exceptional games, but also missed 5 matches alone through suspension. With him already confirmed to be leaving, and Forsberg expected to join him, the summer was already looking like being a period of rebuilding.
However just a week after the end of the season Hasenhüttl resigned after coming into conflict with the board. Next season will then certainly have an entirely new set of challenges for Leipzig.
