Football Season Guide

After missing Europe altogether in the previous campaign, RB Leipzig achieved their minimum aim of Champions League qualification last season, finishing third in the league but suffered a fairly early exit in the DFB Cup, losing out to eventual winners Bayern Munchen in the quarter finals. Despite a vastly improved campaign, Leipzig opted to surprisingly sack Ole Werner during the off-season and have brought in former River Plate coach Martin Demichelis as his replacement. And that has not been the only change for Leipzig who will be without three of their first choice players heading into the new season. The biggest departure is of Yan Diomande who completed a record move to Real Madrid. Diomande provided a major attacking threat down the flanks for Leipzig and Demichelis will need to find a replacement for his goals and assists. Xaver Schlager was a key cog in the central midfield for Leipzig last season but the midfielder decided not to renew his contract and has completed a free transfer to Nottingham Forest. First choice keeper Petr Gulacsi has also been sold to Villarreal, though here Leipzig are a bit protected, having brought in Maarten Vandevoordt the previous campaign to be Gulacsi's successor. Lois Openda's loan at Juventus has been converted into a permanent move, bringing in more cash for Leipzig to spend in the transfer window though they have been surprisingly restrained. Maxime Esteve has been their biggest arrival, boosting the option in the central defence while Rocco Reitz has been brought in as a potential replacement for Schlager. The club have also signed Orjan Nyland on a free transfer to provide backup in the goalkeeping position though Vandevoordt will be the first choice. Leipzig do have a big squad but most of the players are young and unproven. They have lost some crucial experience in Schlager and Gulacsi while Demichelis will be managing in the Bundesliga for the first time.