Finishing third and only three points behind Dortmund, Leipzig played a great campaign under new innovative coach Julian Nagelsmann. However, the result is still disappointing as RB had previously crowned themselves unofficial autumn champions, leading the table after 17 rounds.
Their success was thus mainly driven by the amazing first half of their campaign. They only lost two matches, half as many as eventual champions Bayern Munich. Moreover, they won almost two-thirds of all games, finishing with the best goal difference after 17 rounds. Their strong record was also carried by Leipzig’s identical point record on the road.
Yet, RB failed to uphold this shape in the second half of the campaign. They only lost two games but still threw away vital points as they drew in almost half of their games; amongst others against relegation battlers Paderborn and Düsseldorf.
Some say that this decline was caused by their transfer policy as RB sold their vice-captain Diego Demme during the winter break. Regular captain Willi Orban was missing injured since October. However, it might also have been related to the lack of experience of Leipzig’s young squad (average age 23.6 years).
Yet, despite fluctuating performances in the second half, several of the younger players still played a brilliant season; in particular Timo Werner, second-best scorer of the Bundesliga, Lukas Klostermann, Christopher Nkunku and Marcel Sabitzer.
RB will be facing more difficult conditions next season as Werner left for Chelsea and key defender Upamecano is also about to leave. Replacing them will be tough as Leipzig has financial problems due to CoVid-19 and may not be able to keep players who joined them on a loan such as Angelino and Patrik Schick.
