RB Leipzig Operating Smoothly in the Wake of Bayern Munichs Impressive Form

While Bayern Munich dominates headlines with their dynamic season launch, RB Leipzig is steadily building a strong performance in the Bundesliga.

Leipzig heads to Hoffenheim on Saturday, holding second position, trailing the top team by five points.

Following a heavy 6-0 defeat to Bayern in their opening fixture in Munich, Leipzig has secured 22 out of 24 available points since then.

Lacking involvement in European competitions this term, Leipzig has focused on integrating their fresh signings.

After parting ways with key players such as Xavi Simons, Benjamin Sesko, and Lois Openda during the transfer window, the Red Bull backed side recruited over a dozen promising youngsters.

Ole Werner joined as coach from Werder Bremen in the summer, replacing Marco Rose, who was dismissed by Red Bull football director Jurgen Klopp despite their friendship.

The speed at which the squad has gelled on the field has been somewhat unexpected, RB Leipzig CEO Johann Plenge shared with AFP and fellow journalists on Thursday.

Plenge highlighted how the team handled the initial loss remarkably, noting it fostered greater unity in the dressing room.

As victories pile up, the squads confidence grows.

The manager already shows strong assurance, and it seems they are developing into a finely tuned unit.

The most notable newcomer is 18 year old Yan Diomande.

Acquired for 20 million euros (23 million dollars) following a brief spell at Leganes, the Ivorian forward has delivered two goals and three assists in his last two outings.

We recognised his exceptional potential and resilient character beforehand, Plenge remarked.

However, the quick impact he made on the pitch after just a few games caught us off guard.

Plenge anticipates Diomande will emerge as a prominent figure for the club in future campaigns.

Player to monitor: Victor Boniface (Werder Bremen)

The Nigerian forward, who arrived on a late loan from Bayer Leverkusen, is adapting to life at Werder Bremen.

In his debut for Bremen, Boniface set up a goal shortly after entering as a substitute, yet he has yet to add goals or assists in subsequent appearances.

The 24 year old, who tallied 14 goals and nine assists across 23 league matches during Leverkusens title winning 2023 24 season, emphasised that his value extends beyond direct contributions.

In a conversation with AFP and other outlets on Tuesday, Boniface noted, scoring gets you instant acclaim like Ronaldinho, but fans often skip watching full matches.

Being new to the team and the area, I am adjusting gradually. Integration varies at different clubs.

Critics fixate on the lack of goals, but observing the matches reveals my broader impact on the side.

Essential figures

27 With nine victories from nine matches, Bayern has gathered 27 points from a maximum 27. This feat occurred just once previously, under Pep Guardiola in 2015 2016 when they took 10 straight wins.

12 Harry Kane leads with 12 goals in nine games this season. Eintracht Frankfurts Jonathan Burkardt follows with six.

6 St Pauli are enduring a streak of six consecutive defeats.

Upcoming matches (1430 GMT unless noted)

Friday

Werder Bremen v Wolfsburg (1930)

Saturday

Hoffenheim v RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen v Heidenheim, Hamburg v Borussia Dortmund, Union Berlin v Bayern Munich, Borussia Moenchengladbach v Cologne (1730)

Sunday

Freiburg v St Pauli, Stuttgart v Augsburg (1630), Eintracht Frankfurt v Mainz (1830)