Mintzlaff's demand to RB Leipzig: "I expect significantly more than last year"

Oliver Mintzlaff spoke about Leipzig's ambitions. IMAGO/SOPA Images

"In our current situation, we're a bit more humble, because we have to work our way back to where we were before," Mintzlaff said in an interview with the Bonner General-Anzeiger newspaper . After missing out on international competition, RB Leipzig had to navigate a transition this summer, for which the Red Bull CEO is giving those in charge time: "Everyone in football knows how thin the air is up there and that it's also particularly difficult to consistently develop to that level again, as is currently the case with us."

"That won't happen overnight," says Mintzlaff, who served as managing director of the Bundesliga club from 2016 to 2022. "That's why I'm deliberately not saying that we have to play in the Champions League again next year." Nevertheless, the 50-year-old clarified: "But I expect significantly more than last year. Whether that will ultimately be enough for the Champions League remains to be seen." Last year, Leipzig's star-studded squad fell short of its own expectations, failing to qualify for a European competition for the first time since its promotion in 2016, a fact Mintzlaff also criticized: "It was simply far too little for the effort we're putting in."

Under new coach Ole Werner, Leipzig struggled after falling behind twice in the DFB Cup against regional league side SV Sandhausen , then suffered a bitter 6-0 defeat at Bayern Munich . However, the fans were recently able to celebrate two wins against Heidenheim ( 2-0 ) and Mainz ( 1-0 ). "After the summer shake-up with the new squad, we certainly need a bit more patience and time until everything settles down. This also applies to our new coach Ole Werner, who enjoys our complete trust."