- RB Leipzig opens the Titeljagd - relaxed at Olmo
In high spirits and confident, new business manager Marcel Schäfer and Xavi Simons kicked off the title hunt for football Bundesliga club RB Leipzig. "The club has already proven that it can compete for titles. That's what everyone strives for. That must be our goal," Schäfer said at his first public appearance in Leipzig.
On August 1, the 40-year-old took over from Max Eberl, who moved to FC Bayern Munich, and set the tone for the Saxons: "The goal can only be to be able to change the letterhead with new titles," said Schäfer. "I am a friend of big ambitions and approaching them with full enthusiasm and enthusiasm."
A piece of the puzzle could be presented by former professional Xavi Simons, who returned. "The start couldn't be better with such a message. RB is a good starting point for young top talents. That's also what Xavi stands for," said Schäfer about the transfer coup with the Dutch national player, in which Bayern Munich and Manchester United also showed great interest.
The loan player from Paris Saint-Germain delivered ten goals and 15 assists in his first Leipzig season in 43 games. "I had a good year here and a good feeling after the last game. That was a key factor," said the 21-year-old midfielder, who signed the loan contract for the Bundesliga season starting on August 23 on Monday. "Leipzig is the perfect place and the perfect time for me. I'm not done here yet."
The club had been trying to bring him back for months. "We took our time, didn't pressure him. The position was reserved for Xavi, and that paid off," said sporting director Rouven Schröder. With the reserved position, Xavi also received the number ten jersey, which Leipzig had not awarded after Emil Forsberg's departure at the end of last year.
Xavi wants to repay the praise he has received in the coming months. "The focus is on this season, I want to give my best, then we'll see," says the professional who was loaned out by PSG without a purchase option. There will be a quick reunion with the home club, which will be a guest in Leipzig on Saturday (6:00 p.m.) for a test match. After his vacation after the European Championship, Xavi describes himself as "fit," but the decision on a deployment lies with coach Marco Rose.
Patience is required with Olmo
Rose will likely have to do without Dani Olmo. Whether the midfielder, who wants to leave, will ever wear the RB jersey again is completely open. "He's an outstanding player who has a certain value for us," said Schäfer, "we're ready to talk about it, but we're relatively relaxed at the moment."
Olmo has been linked to FC Barcelona in recent weeks, with Manchester City and record champions Munich also said to be interested. According to consistent media reports, Leipzig has so far rejected offers from the clubs. The market value of the 26-year-old Spaniard, who is still under contract with RB until 2027, is currently around 60 million euros.
Meanwhile, the Spanish European champion arrived in Leipzig on Monday evening with his advisor after his vacation and is scheduled to join training on Thursday. "I think it's good that he's here early. That's very exemplary and professional. Everything else will be decided by the talks," said Schäfer. "If there's a solution by Thursday, then there's one. Then he'll join the training and we'll have another top player in our ranks."
Marcel Schäfer expressed his admiration for Xavi Simons, stating, "RB is a great starting point for young top talents, and that's what Xavi stands for. The Netherlands national player is a piece of the puzzle we need to compete for titles." In the future, RB Leipzig faces clubs like FC Barcelona, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich in their pursuit to keep talented players like Dani Olmo, who is reportedly linked to these clubs.
