FM2014: Leipzig Gives You Wings

[Grover]

July 2016
Bulls Make Big Signings
AMR Christian Clemens, 24, Germany
Coming in from Schalke for just £3M, Clemens is expected to be the right winger that allows us to shift to a 4-2-3-1 with Lucas Andersen dropping behind the forward. His nationality helps with Champions League registration. He is a natural winger that will provide pace, width and the ability to cross. He will be an exciting player for us.



DR/DL Serge Aurier, 23, Ivory Coast
Coming from FC Toulouse for £6.25M, Aurier was a good excuse to “replace” the departing Christian Müller. However, he will likely supplant Loïc Nestor at the position and in a pinch can move over to the left side if van Aanholt or Judt can't play for any reason. Aurier is strong and quick. He'll be physical, can defend well and put in a cross. Solid player all around.



DM Guillermo Galetto, 18, Argentina
Coming from Club Atlético Belgrano for £4.5M, Galetto is destined for greatness in the future, but is being thrown into the fire immediately. It may seem unfair to put so much onto the player, expecting him to step in and be the prominent holding midfielder while playing beside either Gustavo Oyenard or Marco Crimi. However, I believe he has the talent and ability to mature quickly and become a real force in our first XI.



DC Dominique Heintz, 22, Germany
Coming in from Stuttgart for £7M, Heintz is a determined defender who will add real steel to our back four. We wanted to make significant changes across the squad and Heintz is the main piece at the back to pair with Politevich or Zsombor Klein, returning from Videoton in Hungary. Though he never played a single minute here, immediately going back on loan. Anyway, Heintz will be integral to Baumann's success and ultimately the team's. Another German is good for the European numbers as well.



Contract Terminations
We have terminated the contracts of AMC Thiago Rockenbach and AML Nenad Sreckovic.

Board Confidence
The club is merely satisfied with my managing of the team. Last season's successes are no longer thought of. They're still big on the stature increase.

Finances
We handed out a bunch of contract extensions along with the contracts for our new signings. We're over budget by £75K per week. Whoops.

Jung Out
We have sold DL Anthony Jung to Karlsruhe for £48K.

Friendlies
RB Leipzig 3 – 0 CA Monarcas Morelia
RB Leipzig 1 – 2 Crystal Palace

Luge Out
AML André Luge has been sold to Dresden for £240K.

Friendlies
FC Rouen 0 – 6 RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig 1 – 1 Liverpool
Paris FC 1 – 2 RB Leipzig
Rodez Aveyron Football 0 – 4 RB Leipzig
Panathinaikos 0 – 0 RB Leipzig

Freiburg After Poulsen
Freiburg made a £4.9M offer for Yussuf Poulsen. It was quickly rejected.

DFB Pokal First Round
Die Bullen Blitzkrieg! Fabulous Five From Poulsen!
Schnelsen 0 – 7 RB Leipzig
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (10, 14, 18, 32, 90), Heintz (43), Joãozinho (pen 53)
Shots/On Target: Schnelsen 6/3, Leipzig 25/11
Possession: Leipzig 52/48
Cautions: Leipzig: Aurier (88)
Man of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen 10.0

Form: Baumann 8.2, Aurier 8.6, Klein 8.7, Heintz 9.1, van Aanholt 8.9, Crimi 8.7, Galetto 8.6, Clemens 9.4, Andersen 9.0, Joãozinho 9.1, Poulsen 10.0

Well, then. Poulsen puts up a perfect 10 with his five goals. Clemens adds FOUR assists. Aurier, van Aanholt and Joãozinho added the others. What a beautiful day for a football match. Scintillating performance for the club. Fantastic way to start the season, regardless of the level of competition.

We have been awarded £86.41K for the victory.

Poulsen Injury
ST Yussuf Poulsen will miss two weeks after suffering a thigh strain late on against Schnelsen in his five goal effort.

[Grover]

2016-17 RB Leipzig First Team
GOALKEEPER
1. Oliver Baumann, 26, Germany, 4/4
Oliver is unquestionably our number one keeper. He's a strong communicator has great reflex and communication and is terrific in one-on-ones. He was very strong toward the end of last season, and for someone who came in after the season began because of injury, has certainly done a lot for himself. We're chuffed to have him.

13. Damir Kahriman, 31, Serbia, 2.5/2.5
Our de facto #2, Kahriman was our starter in the 2.Bundesliga, but an early injury last year forced him to quickly become the second fiddle to Oliver Baumann. Kahriman is solid across the board, nothing outstanding, but nothing awful either. He's a strong backup, despite continuously asking to be sold.

14. Nicholas Tix, 19, Germany 2/3
Tix is a genuine RB Leipzig youth product, coming up from the Academy and working his way to the first team. Sure, he's only got the third role at the moment, but he's made it up for us. He's not a particularly strong keeper at all, but he's 19 and not fully developed either. He'll see most of his work as the starter for the second team.

DEFENDERS
15. Patrick van Aanholt, 25, Netherlands, 3.5/3.5
Patrick was another good free transfer, signed in October 2015. While he has no outstanding qualities, he's very good in a number of places. He can get overwhelmed by elite talent, but will generally hold his own. He is equally as good at attacking as he is at defending, but overall he's slightly above average. He will remain our starting left back.

5. Dominique Heintz, 22, Germany, 4/4
Coming in from Stuttgart this summer, Heintz is the first of two new starting central defender on the club. He is strong, can jump, head mark and tackle very well. He's got some ball movement skills, which is nice for a 6'3” defender. He's determined and intelligent. We've signed a very good defender who is young and can anchor this line for a long time.

19. Zsombor Klein, 20, Hungary, 2.5/4.5
Who? We've been hiding this one away. If you remember, we signed Klein for £1.3M last summer, but loaned him back to Videoton for last season to get another season of first team action under his belt. He returns to us having been capped five times for his native Hungary. He is a fantastic marker with incredible workrate. He's not very fleet of foot and this can hurt him at times, but I think we'll be able to cover this weakness up. Klein has the chance to be a phenomenal player for us. It's going to be a big step up for him. He will be starting with Heintz in the heart of our defence.

3. Serge Aurier, 23, Ivory Coast, 3.5/4
A big signing from Toulouse FC, Aurier was signed for his physical ability and team-skills more than anything. He can play as the complete wing-back style we want from the right back. He has excellent acceleration and stamina, ery good positioning, team work, anticipation and work rate. He's the type of driven, hardworking player this team needs. He'll be our starting right back.

12. Sergey Politevich, 26, Belarus, 3/3
Politevich is kind of undeservedly dropped from the starting XI as the two new central defenders join the club. He will be extremely versatile, however. He's the first rotation option in defense, so he will see a lot of time there. He's also the top rotation option in the defensive midfield as well. He will get himself plenty of playing time, even if he doesn't look great for him now.

4. Tobias Willers, 29, Germany, 2/2
Willers was last year's starter with Politevich, but he will be reduced to a backup role this year. He's been a very good player for us over three seasons and will be a good rotation option with the European schedule we're going to face.

18. Loïc Nestor, 27, France, 2.5/3
Nestor had a pretty good season for us last year, though he was prone to bouts of really, really terrible games. He'll be the backup at right back this season, but will see time because of the schedule. I still like him as a player, he's determined and has pretty good speed and can defend at times, but we needed a more certain option at the position. Nestor will still prove to be valuable though.

16. Juri Judt, 30, Germany, 2/2
Still in the squad since the beginning, just as Willers has been. Judt was a tackling machine last year, averaging 9.50 tackles per 90 minutes played. He'll be good when we need him, but he is starting to decline a bit. That means we'll need Patrick van Aanholt to keep his performances up.

8. Tim Sebastian, 32, Germany, 1.5/1.5
Still around from the first days, but sharply on the decline the past 6 months. He's transfer listed and will be lucky to see any action for the squad this season.

MIDFIELDERS
23. Guillermo Galetto, 18, Argentina, 2/5
I've decided to give Galetto a starting role, even though he may not be quite ready for it. He has excellent fitness, tackling, technique and teamwork skills and he's a very brave player. He'll go into those challenges, which was an issue we were having with winning the ball back in previous seasons. However, he may not quite have the head for his bravery. He could be a card machine with poor decisions composure. He's a true anchor man, not very quick, but he will defend expertly. We'll see how he plays out in the early going.

17. Gustavo Oyenard, 19, Uruguay, 3/5
Still just 19 and improving rapidly. He is now a natural defensive midfielder after being trained in the position all last season, He's an excellent defender and team player with a strange amount of flair for his skill set. He is determined and fits the mold our squad. He struggled toward the end of last season perhaps do to fitness and not being able to cope with such a long season. He and Galetto have a chance to play together for a very long time. They will be an exciting pair. Oyenard is currently with the Uruguay U23 squad for the Olympic Games.

6. Joãozinho, 27, Brazil, 3.5/3.5
Our starting left winger. He was our big signing last season and proved he was worth every penny. He finished tied in the Bundesliga with 14 assists and dazzled our supporters with his creative play down the left wing. He's still got great agility and acceleration to match his creativity and he's absolutely above average across the board in pretty much every category. He'll get to work more strictly down the left with the change in formation.

9. Lucas Andersen, 21, Denmark, 3.5/4.5
Lucas will spearhead the attacking midfield in a central role, as we drop to one forward. We're hoping he will help us hold possession better and link Galetto/Oyenard into the attack better. Andersen is the kind of player that can leave the supporters with their mouths hanging wide open. He can do incredible things with the ball at his feet. He's a regular starting option for the Danish national team and we need to give him the space to create and play at his best. This formation change is all to get the best out of Lucas Andersen.

7. Christian Clemens, 24, Germany, 3.5/4
Clemens is the man that allowed us to switch formations. We need a dependable option on the right and this unwanted man from Schalke fits the bill perfectly. He has the pace to get wide and can cross. That's what I wanted from a right winger and Clemens is what I got. He's a bit weaker mentally than I would generally like at any position, but he's got a cultured right foot that will definitely do some damage as long as he can beat his man.

2. Marco Crimi, 26, Italy, 2.5/2.5
Crimi will settle in as a rotation option at DM. He's an average player who has had a couple of very good seasons. He's very good mentally, but limited technically. He has good speed as a defensive midfielder, which allows him to deputise at right back when absolutely needed. He's a streaky player and we can hopefully catch lightning in a bottle when he starts.

24. Dominik Kaiser, 27, Germany, 2/2
Kaiser has been here since the beginning and will start to see decreased play time as our starters get stronger. He was depth last year and did well with his duties, but it's coming to the point where he is going to be over-matched against just about anyone we put him up against. He's had a good run with us, that's for sure. He's been a solid DM and we're happy to keep him through this season to run out his deal.

25. Bastian Schulz, 31, Germany, 1.5/1.5
See above. Everything said about Kaiser works for Schulz. Schulz is starting to decline at his age and will likely not play at all, unless things get desperate.

33. Moise Bambara, 31, Burkina Faso, 1.5/1.5
Bambara is at the end of his deal as well and we'll see it out because he's been a faithful servant. He has no mental skills to speak of, besides strong teamwork and work rate and his physical skills are definitely on the decline. Our DM depth is lacking a bit.

34. Clemens Fandrich, 25, Germany, 2/2
Fandrich has managed to stick around for awhile, showing up when he's absolutely needed, but not doing a whole lot else in between. He has rare moments of brilliance and currently appears to be our only reserve option in the attacking midfield. Oh boy. He's got good speed and dribbling ability which allows him to get past players. He's also determined, making him a good sub.

FORWARDS
10. Yussuf Poulsen, 22, Denmark, 3.5/4.5
Yussuf has been our starting striker for going on four years now. He has blossomed into one of the Bundesliga's most threatening forwards, terrorizing opposing defenses with his incredible pace, strength and jumping ability. His pace allows him to out-perform what the rest of his abilities say of him. He's prone to bad decisions and lapses in his concentration and he can be a bit selfish. He's a good dribbler with good technique, but he's barely average as a finisher, passer and header. He's inexplicably fantastic at long throws. Now that we've moved to a one forward formation, the pressure is on for Poulsen to perform more than ever.

27. Flávio Augusto, 22, Brazil, 1.5/5
We signed Augusto on a free because our scouts said he had huge potential. His window to filling that potential out is slowly starting to slide closed for the Brazilian. It is obvious that he has incredible talent, but he doesn't have the head to make use of it. He'll be Poulsen's main backup and continue to get a chance to impress and improve. I want to see him come good.

20. Denis Thomalla, 23, 2/2.5
We've had the same forward group for awhile now. Thomalla struggled last year for the most part and becomes a more peripheral figure with a one forward formation. He's best as an advanced forward and may have better technical and mental attributes than Poulsen, but he doesn't have the electrifying pace or strength of the Dane.

11. Daniel Frahn, 29, Germany, 2/2
Daniel is in his last season with the club. He has been a wonderful servant getting us promoted time and time again. His skills are on the decline, but he can still be helpful in a pinch.

STARTING XI
GK: 1. O. Baumann DL: 15. P. van Aanholt DC: 5. D. Heintz DC: 19. Z. Klein DR: 3. S. Aurier DM: 23. G. Galetto DM: 17. G. Oyenard AML: 6. Joãozinho AMC: 9. L. Andersen AMR: 7. C. Clemens ST: 10. Y. Poulsen

[Grover]

August 2016
Captains Named
Joãozinho has been named captain, with Oliver Baumann as the vice-captain.

Board Confidence
The board is pleased, in summary. The atmosphere in the locker room has been a contributing factor. Unfortunately, the club's payroll is too high (it is) and I'm failing miserably there at the moment.

Board Talks
A quick conversation with the board and we get an extra £100K per week in the payroll budget. We're now safely under that budget.

Bundesliga Match Day #1
Winger's Delight as Leipzig Claim Victory
RB Leipzig 2 – 1 Wolfsburg
Goals: Leipzig: Joãozinho (11), Clemens (26) Wolfsburg: Elabdellaoui (89)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 15/3, Wolfsburg 8/4
Possession: 50/50
Cautions: Wolfsburg: Gunnarsson (46), Sakai (82, red 90)
Man of the Match: AMR Omar Elabdellaoui 7.7

Form: Baumann 6.9, Aurier 7.1, Klein 6.7, Heintz 6.7, van Aanholt 7.1, Politevich 6.7, Galetto 6.8, Clemens 7.5, Andersen 6.8, Joãozinho 7.2, Thomalla 7.2

Oyenard is still on Olympic duty and Poulsen is still injured.

We looked devastating in the first half on the attack. It went belly up in the second half and we fought to maintain our clean sheet, before surrendering a goal entirely too late. Thomalla put in a good shift, picking up assists on both goals. We were a little soft through the center here and can't afford to be exploited there as we move forward.

Ticket Sales
The club has sold roughly 5,900 season tickets for the season.

Bundesliga Match Day #2
Clubs Battle in Even Affair
Stuttgart 1 – 1 RB Leipzig
Goals: Stuttgart: Schwaab (66) Leipzig: Heintz (41)
Shots/On Target: Stuttgart 20/7, Leipzig 8/2
Possession: Stuttgart 61/39
Cautions: Leipzig: van Aanholt (83)
Man of the Match: DC Dominque Heintz 7.5

Form: Baumann 6.8, Aurier (sub 67) 6.1, Klein 6.8, Heintz 7.5, van Aanholt 6.1, Politevich 7.2, Galetto 6.5, Clemens 6.4, Andersen 6.6, Joãozinho 7.5, Thomalla (sub 67) 6.3, Flávio Augusto (on 67) 6.6, Nestor (on 67) 6.6

We struggled mightily, looking like last year's unit in terms of possession. Despite the fullbacks getting absolutely decimated by Stuttgart's wingers, we somehow managed to hold on for a point. Thomalla struggled, we really need Poulsen back without a competent second forward.

Good news: Poulsen is back in training!

Politevich Out
DC/DM Sergey Politevich will miss 3 weeks with a groin strain.

Free Transfer
28. ST Will Keane, 23, England, 2.5/4
The former Manchester United youth product joins us after his contract with the club has run out. He'll become our top back-up to Poulsen and should be a fairly dependable option. He has excellent finishing and first touch, not to mention he's got good physical speed and is quite determined. He lacks in stamina and strength, so he's not an every day option, but should be good in spot starts and off the bench.



Bundesliga Match Day #3
Clemens Paces Bulls With Helper and Goal
RB Leipzig 3 – 1 Hannover 96
Goals: Leipzig: Joãozinho (44), Clemens (65), Heintz (90+4) Hannover: Hosiner (54)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 25/10, Hannover 11/4
Possession: Hannover 53/47
Cautions: Leipzig: Aurier (24) Hannover: Haïdara (44)
Man of the Match: AMR Christian Clemens 8.6

Form: Baumann 6.9, Aurier 7.0, Klein 6.6, Heintz 8.2, van Aanholt 7.5, Crimi 7.3, Galetto 6.6, Clemens 8.6, Andersen 7.5, Joãozinho 8.1, Poulsen 6.8

We spend the first half banging on the door and it took 44 minutes for Joãozinho to knock it down. After a slow start in the second half, allowing Hannover to tie the match and get back into it, Clemens took over. With 25 minutes to go he scored a scintillating effort before Heintz put the icing on the cake late into stoppage.

Heintz Named
DC Dominique Heintz has been selected to the Bundesliga Team of the Week.

Champions League Draw
We have been awarded £7.26M for playing in the Champions League Group Stages.

We are the 4 seed in Group C. We will face off against Basel (SUI), Marseille (FRA) and Atlético Madrid (ESP). Not an impossible group for us.

Bundesliga Match Day #4
Reid's Penalty Calamity
Gladbach 1 – 2 RB Leipzig
Goals: Gladbach: Ginczek (20) Leipzig: Clemens (39), Keane (pen 90+1)
Shots/On Target: Gladbach 13/4, Leipzig 7/3
Possession: Gladbach 54/46
Cautions: Gladbach: Reid (90+1), Leipzig: Galetto (43, red 56)
Man of the Match: AMR Christian Clemens 8.3

Form: Baumann 6.8, Aurier 7.2, Klein 6.7, Heintz 6.8, van Aanholt 7.4, Andersen (sub 57) 6.3, Oyenard 6.7, Clemens 8.3, Joãozinho 6.8, Galetto (red 56) 6.3, Poulsen (sub 57) 6.5, Crimi (on 57) 6.5, Keane (on 57) 6.8

Ah, the irresponsibility of youth. Galetto put us in a hard place for the majority of the second half until Winston Reid inexplicably pulled down Joãozinho as he raced into the box in stoppage time. New signing Will Keane stepped up and drilled home the resulting penalty, giving us the win. Andersen was awful today and came off early on. We were going to try a two striker set until Galetto got himself sent off.

DM Guillermo Galetto has been suspended for one match.

Clemens Named
AMR Christian Clemens was named to the Bundesliga Team of the Week.

Transfer Deadline Day
ST Flávio Augusto is loaned to Kaiserslautern.

Free Transfer
AMC Felipe Brisolla, 26, Brazil, 2.5/2.5
Brisolla is exactly what I was looking for to be Andersen's backup. Somehow who can come in and somewhat perform. He's an all around average player, but he's fairly cheap and should be serviceable when needed.



Top Players
1. AMR Christian Clemens: 5 apps, 3 goals, 5 assists, 4.00 dribbles/90', 2 PoM, 8.04
2. ST Yussuf Poulsen: 3 apps, 5 goals, 1 PoM, 7.77
3. AML Joãozinho: 5 apps, 3 goals, 4 assists, 7.74

[Grover]

Power just blinked, hope I didn't lose much progress. May have to replay the last game of the month there.

EDIT: And we have. I'm back on August 27, so I'll have to replay Gladbach and the end of the transfer window.

EDIT 2: We are now caught up and current with the previous post.

[Grover]

September 2016
Board Confidence
The board is pleased with my efforts and still delighted with the increase of stature.

Galetto Handed Further Ban
DM Guillermo Galetto has been suspended for two further matches after his red card against Gladbach.

Bundesliga Match Day #5
Joãozinho Leads Bulls Again
(2) RB Leipzig 2 – 1 Werder Bremen (17)
Goals: Leipzig: Heintz (60), Joãozinho (86) Bremen: Petersen (42)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 8/3, Bremen 12/4
Possession: Leipzig 53/47
Cautions: Leipzig: Andersen (27), Oyenard (68) Bremen: Sorg (36), Günter (48, red 86)
Man of the Match: AML Joãozinho 8.7

Form: Baumann 6.6, Aurier 6.8, Heintz 7.8, Klein 6.6, van Aanholt 7.1, Oyenard 6.9, Crimi 6.7, Clemens 6.6, Andersen (sub 68) 6.4, Joãozinho 8.7, Poulsen (sub 68) 6.2, Brisolla (on 68) 6.9, Keane (on 68) 6.6

We should have won this one by more. Andersen and Poulsen continue to struggle in recent games and it worries me ahead of our first Champions League clash. Klein has dipped a bit at DC as well. My assistant believes Oyenard is jaded and in need of rest, but the player insists he is fine. Jo was fantastic again, scoring the winner and assisting on Heintz's headed effort. Felipe Brisolla had the assist on Jo's late winner.

Joãozinho Named
The left winger was named to the Bundesliga Team of the Week.

Champions League Group C Match Day #1
Poulsen Powers Bulls
RB Leipzig 2 – 1 Basel
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (10, 76) Basel: Rajtoral (19)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 14/5, Basel 7/4
Possession: Leipzig 51/49
Cautions: Leipzig: van Aanholt (30), Aurier (70) Basel: Canonica (10)
Man of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen 8.8

Form: Baumann 6.9, Aurier 6.9, Klein 6.6, Heintz 6.8, van Aanholt 6.9, Politevich 6.8, Galetto 6.8, Poulsen 8.7, Joãozinho 7.9, Clemens 6.7, Andersen (sub 61) 6.5, Keane (on 61) 6.7

Great finish for us. We moved Jo to AMC, Clemens to AML, Poulsen to AMR to put Keane up top. It worked as Poulsen scored from the wing and made himself a nuisance down that side. Still, Andersen's performances have been a bit alarming and I'll have a chat with him after the match.

The club has been awarded £845K for the win against Basel.

In the other group match, Atlético Madrid beat Marseille 1-0.

Bundesliga Match Day #6
Tough to Separate, Battle to Third Straight Draw
(2) Dortmund 2 – 2 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Dortmund: Reus (3), Grosskreutz (82) Leipzig: Poulsen (29, 37)
Shots/On Target: Dortmund 18/6, Leipzig 7/5
Possession: Dortmund 63/37
Cautions: Leipzig: Andersen (49), Aurier (82)
Man of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen 8.8

Form: Baumann 6.7, Aurier 6.6, Klein 6.6, Heintz 7.1, van Aanholt 6.9, Crimi 7.1, Politevich 6.8, Poulsen 8.8, Andersen 6.4, Joãozinho 6.4, Clemens (inj 80) 6.9, Keane (on 80) –

We'll take this result on the road to what's shaping up to be our biggest rival in the division. Neither side has beat the other yet. Poulsen was fantastic with two more goals and has really improved since our private conversation. Andersen continues to struggle. We really need him to turn in a few strong performances.

DFB Pokal Second Round
Heintz Sees Red, Die Bullen Still Roar
Hoffenheim 0 – 3 RB Leipzig
Goals: Leipzig: Keane (20), Oyenard (36), Fandrich (42)
Shots/On Target: Hoffenheim 13/4, Leipzig 12/7
Possession: Hoffenheim 51/49
Cautions: Hoffenheim: Acquah (24), Ignjovski (31) Leipzig: Heintz (red 61)
Man of the Match: ST Will Keane 8.2

Form: Baumann 7.0, Nestor 8.1, Klein 7.6, Clemens (sub 62) 7.1, Judt 7.7, Oyenard 8.2, Galetto 7.2, Brisolla 8.0, Heintz (red 61) 7.3, Fandrich 7.8, Keane 8.2, Politevich (on 62) 6.6

We cruised in this one for the most part. A few nervy moments after the red card, but a routine cup victory. We'll take it with a half-rested squad. Keane, Brisolla, Nestor, Judt and Fandrich were all excellent.

We have been awarded £216K for the victory.

DC Dominique Heintz has been suspended for the next DFB Pokal match.

We will face Schalke in the third round.

Bundesliga Match Day #7
Attacking Midfield Minces Hertha
(1) RB Leipzig 3 – 1 Hertha BSC (17)
Goals: Leipzig: Clemens (12), Andersen (26), Joãozinho (27) Hertha: Larsen (72)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 22/9, Hertha 7/5
Possession: Leipzig 55/45
Man of the Match: AML Joãozinho 8.5

Form: Baumann 6.9, Aurier 8.5, Klein 6.9, Heintz 7.0, van Aanholt 7.2, Crimi 6.9, Politevich (sub 60) 6.9, Clemens 7.8, Andersen 8.4, Joãozinho 8.5, Poulsen (sub 60) 6.7, Kaiser (on 60) 6.6, Keane (on 60) 6.6

Dominant victory. Our attacking midfield was firing on all cylinders. Lucas Andersen put in his best performance by far, matching Jo with a goal and an assist each. Serge Aurier was excellent at right back and we're rolling ahead of our match with Marseille.

Trio Named
DR Serge Aurier, AMC Lucas Andersen and AMR Christian Clemens were named to the Bundesliga Team of the Week.

Champions League Group C Match Day #2
Battling Bulls Take One in France
Olympique Marseille 0 – 1 RB Leipzig
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (82)
Shots/On Target: OM 14/7 Leipzig 17/6
Possession: OM 60/40
Cautions: OM: Nagatomo (67), Mitroglou (76) Leipzig: Galetto (35), van Aanholt (48)
Man of the Match: GK Steve Mandanda 8.4

Form: Baumann 7.5, Aurier 6.9, Politevich 7.3, Heintz 7.6, van Aanholt 6.7, Oyenard 7.0, Galetto (sub 45) 6.5, Clemens 6.8, Andersen 6.9, Joãozinho 6.6, Poulsen 7.4, Crimi (on 45) 6.5

A battling win and well deserved. OM keeper Steve Mandanda worked his ass off even though we had 40% possession we made the best of it. Mandanda was peppered by shots time and time again and finally a decisive Poulsen blast went through.

We have been awarded £845K for the victory.

Top Players
1. AML Joãozinho: 10 apps, 5 goals, 8 assists, 2 PoM, 7.68
2. ST Yussuf Poulsen: 8 apps, 10 goals, 3 PoM, 7.65
3. AMR Christian Clemens: 11 apps, 4 goals, 7 assists, 2 PoM, 7.46

[Grover]

October 2016
Board Confidence
The board is very pleased. They're very happy with the atmosphere surrounding the locker room.

Bundesliga Match Day #8
Die Bullen Tops in Goal Fest
(4) Leverkusen 3 – 4 RB Leipzig (3)
Goals: Leverkusen: Baumann o.g. (4), Toprak (25), Jung (47) Leipzig: Joãozinho (23), Brisolla (36), Clemens (37), Poulsen (88)
Shots/On Target: Leverkusen 14/6 Leipzig 8/5
Possession: Leverkusen 60/40
Cautions: Leverkusen: Nainggolan (27), Bender (79) Leipzig: Galetto (25)
Man of the Match: AMR Christian Clemens 8.1

Form: Baumann 6.5, Aurier 7.0, Klein 6.5, Heintz 7.0, van Aanholt 7.0, Crimi (sub 45) 6.7, Galetto 6.4, Clemens 8.1, Brisolla 8.0, Joãozinho 7.4, Poulsen 7.3, Oyenard (on 45) 6.5

Our back four may be a bit leaky at times, but can we score goals or what? Felipe Brisolla was fantastic starting for a tired Andersen, while Clemens and Jo were their usual selves. Poulsen bags his 11th goal of the season. Our young back four is struggling at times, but we're going to fight through it.

Brisolla Named
AMC Felipe Brisolla has been named to the Bundesliga Team of the Week.

We get a two week international break here.

Bundesliga Match Day #9
Bulls Boss Hoffenheim
(1) RB Leipzig 2 – 0 Hoffenheim (14)
Goals: Leipzig: Klein (5), Joãozinho (89)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 19/6, Hoffenheim 11/3
Possession: Leipzig 54/46
Cautions: Hoffenheim: Acquah (22), Ignjovski (78)
Man of the Match: AML Joãozinho 8.1

Form: Baumann 6.9, Nestor 7.2, Klein 7.4, Heintz 7.4, van Aanholt 7.0, Crimi (sub 52) 6.5, Oyenard (sub 73) 6.4, Clemens 6.9, Andersen (sub 73) 6.8, Joãozinho 8.1, Poulsen 6.9, Brisolla (on 73) 6.7, Politevich (on 73) 6.7, Galetto (on 52) 6.7

We were very strong in this one. Zsombor Klein gets his first goal from a Jo free-kick. Jo scores late on from a defensive lapse, stealing the ball and slotting it past Casteels. Beating the teams we should, whether in shoot-outs or tighter affairs. We truly are a contender this season.

Champions League Group C Match Day #3
Bulls Take Control of Group With Perfect Start
Altético Madrid 1 – 2 RB Leipzig
Goals: Atlético: Fernández (63) Leipzig: Joãozinho (18). Andersen (50)
Shots/On Target: Atlético 18/5 Leipzig 7/3
Possession: Atlético 51/49
Cautions: Atlético: Insúa (90+4) Leipzig: Politevich (41)
Man of the Match: DC Sergey Politevich 7.5

Form: Baumann 6.7, Aurier 7.2, Politevich 7.5, Heintz 7.4, van Aanholt 6.9, Crimi 7.1, Galetto 6.9, Clemens 6.7, Andersen 7.5, Joãozinho 7.3, Poulsen 6.7

We're in the driver's seat with a five point lead in the group. Andersen is starting to play well and provided what proved to be the winner. Thinking that merely qualifying from the group would be a task on its own, we may be able to win it running away. The back four was especially solid against a very good attacking group. Atlético player Otávio is a left back, but is also a natural AMC and started at forward against us.

The club has been awarded £845K for the victory.

Contract News
We have mutually terminated the contract of DC Tim Sebastian. The board blocked the termination of DM Moise Bambara.

Bundesliga Match Day #10
Leipzig Park the Bus, Bayern Can't Get Through
(3) Bayern München 0 – 0 RB Leipzig (1)
Shots/On Target: Bayern 29/10, Leipzig 5/1
Possession: Bayern 61/39
Cautions: Leipzig: Aurier (13)
Man of the Match: DL Patrick van Aanholt 9.0

Form: Baumann 6.8, Aurier 6.8, Klein 6.9, Heintz (sub 75) 6.5, van Aanholt 9.0, Oyenard 6.6, Galetto 6.6, Clemens 6.6, Andersen (sub 75) 6.4, Joãozinho 6.3, Poulsen (sub 56) 6.3, Keane (on 56) 6.6, Politevich (on 75) 6.7, Brisolla (on 75) 6.7

We withstood the onslaught with one one player that played really well and that was van Aanholt who was world-class at left back against Thomas Müller and Philip Lahm tonight. Unbelievable performance against Bayern's attacking right side, holding the German superstars back as they came wave after wave after wave. Best scoreless draw I've ever been a part of.

PvA Named
DL Patrick van Aanholt was named to the Bundesliga Team of the Week.

Bundesliga Match Day #11
Back Four Gets Into Scoring Act
(1) RB Leipzig 2 – 0 HSV (7)
Goals: Leipzig: Heintz (60), Aurier (83)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 17/10, HSV 6/1
Possession: HSV 52/48
Cautions: Leipzig: Politevich (18), Aurier (70)
Man of the Match: DR Serge Aurier 8.4

Form: Baumann 6.9, Aurier 8.4, Politevich 7.2, Heintz 8.2, van Aanholt 7.1, Crimi 6.9, Oyenard 6.9, Poulsen 7.5, Joãozinho (sub 60) 6.1, Andersen 6.8, Clemens (sub 60) 6.4, Brisolla (on 60) 6.8, Keane (on 60) 6.6

Our back line dominated the day scoring both goals and helping Oliver Baumann keep another clean sheet. Aurier scored an absolute belter in the last ten minutes, with Heintz's goal coming from another headed corner. A solid way to end October.

Top Players
1. AML Joãozinho: 15 apps, 8 goals, 9 assists, 3 PoM, 7.47
2. DC Dominique Heintz: 16 apps, 5 goals, 1 PoM, 7.40
3. ST Yussuf Poulsen: 13 apps, 11 goals, 1 assist, 3 PoM, 7.38

[Grover]

November 2016
Defenders Named
DC Dominique Heintz and DR Serge Aurier were named to the Bundesliga Team of the Week.

Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. A major contributing factor has been the atmosphere in and around the locker room.

Champions League Group C Match Day #4
Bulls Bookend Goals, Sweep Atlético
RB Leipzig 2 – 0 Atlético Madrid
Goals: Leipzig: Joãozinho (1), Politevich (pen 90)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 11/5, Atlético 12/5
Possession: Atlético 51/49
Cautions: Leipzig: Galetto (11) Baumann (86), Politevich (88) Altético: Miranda (13), Camacho (24), Insúa (45+2), Abdennour (58), Fer (90)
Man of the Match: AML Joãozinho 8.3

Form: Baumann 6.7, Aurier 7.6, Klein 7.9, Heintz 7.8, van Aanholt 7.7, Oyenard (sub 58) 6.5, Galetto 6.8, Clemens 6.9, Andersen (sub 58) 6.5, Joãozinho 8.3, Poulsen (sub 58) 6.4, Brisolla (on 58) 6.6, Politevich (on 58) 6.8, Keane (on 58) 6.9

We're 8 points clear of the group after a brilliant strike from Jo just ELEVEN seconds in. We capped it off when Will Keane won a penalty, converted by the sure-footed Sergey Politevich. Joãozinho continues to absolutely shine like no other since being handed the armband. Jo scored 10 goals in 46 games last year. He already has 9 in 16 this year.

With the victory we have qualified for the first knockout round and have been awarded £845K.

The club's gate receipts of £925K from the match has set a new record, topping the £775K against Freiburg in the DFB Pokal semi-final.

Jo's 11's second goal is a new club record, besting Poulsen's strike 16 seconds in against Unterhacing way back on Sept. 28, 2013.

Bundesliga Match Day #12
Poulsen and Bulls Blast 10-Men Frankfurt
(18) Frankfurt 1 – 3 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Frankfurt: Kadlec (pen 31) Leipzig: Poulsen (25, 78, 90)
Shots/On Target: Frankfurt 15/8, Leipzig 21/11
Possession: Frankfurt 52/48
Cautions: Frankfurt: Kadlec (red 63), Leipzig: Aurier (53)
Man of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen 9.5

Form: Baumann 7.1, Aurier (sub 64) 5.9, Klein 6.8, Heintz 7.0, van Aanholt 8.3, Politevich 6.8, Oyenard 6.8, Clemens 6.8, Andersen 6.8, Joãozinho (sub 64) 6.3, Poulsen 9.5, Nestor (on 64) 6.8, Keane (on 64) 6.9

Besides Nestor conceding an early penalty, this was nearly a perfect victory. Poulsen was at his goalscoring best and we never looked in any real danger of dropping points to Frankfurt, even at 1-1. van Aaholt has been excellent at left back lately, while Keane continues to do fairly well off the bench. He picked up an assist on the last goal.

DR Serge Aurier is suspended for the next Bundesliga match after picking up his 5th yellow card of the season.

Poulsen Named
ST Yussuf Poulsen has been named the Bundesliga Player of the Week. He was also selected in the Bundesliga Team of the Week with Mario Götze and 9 members of Dortmund's squad.

Bundesliga Match Day #13
Clemens Stars as Bulls Keep Running
(16) Kaiserslautern 2 – 4 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Kaiser: Schahin (31) Leipzig: Clemens (12, 36)
Shots/On Target: Kaiser 7/5, Leipzig 21/11
Possession: Leipzig 57/43
Cautions: Kaiser: Karl (50)
Man of the Match: AMR Christian Clemens 9.3

Form: Baumann 6.8, Crimi 7.0, Klein 6.7, Heintz 6.9, van Aanholt 6.7, Oyenard 7.8, Galetto, 6.8, Clemens 9.3, Andersen 7.1, Joãozinho 6.7, Poulsen 8.3

Two goals and an assist from Clemens, one of each from Poulsen and an assist from Crimi and Oyenard. Very strong performance. Gustavo Oyenard is improving by leaps and bounds this season. He and Galetto are already showing that they can be the fulcrum of my midfield for years to come.

Clemens Named
AMR Christian Clemens has been named Bundesliga Player of the Week. He was also named to the Bundesliga Team of the Week.

Champions League Group C Match Day #5
Late Serge Earns Leipzig a Point
Basel 2 – 2 RB Leipzig
Goals: Basel: Lamert (47), Rajtoral (68) Leipzig: Heintz (45), Aurier (90)
Shots/On Target: Basel 10/4, Leipzig 6/3
Possession: Basel 53/47
Cautions: Basel: Canonica (3), Schär (26) Leipzig: van Aanholt (41)
Man of the Match: AMR Frantisek Rajtoral 7.6

Form: Baumann 6.3, Aurier 7.4, Klein 6.6, Heintz 7.4, van Aanholt 7.2, Politevich 6.8, Oyenard 6.7, Andersen 6.7, Clemens (sub 45) 6.3, Joãozinho 6.8, Poulsen (sub 45) 6.5, Brisolla (on 45) 6.8, Keane (on 45) 6.3

I pulled Clemens and Poulsen at the half because they were looking complacent. We struggled through the majority of the second half until Serge Aurier broke through with a brilliant goal from the top of the box.

The club has been given £422K for the draw.

DL Patrick van Aanholt has picked up his third yellow card and will miss our next Champions League match.

Bundesliga Match Day #14
Complete Performance Bests Fürth
(1) RB Leipzig 4 – 1 Fürth (15)
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (16), Heintz (35), Keane (50), Clemens (69) Fürth: Djurdjic (32)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 15/5, Fürth 13/7
Possession: Fürth 52/48
Cautions: Leipzig: Aurier (3), Fürth: Adjei-Boateng (59)
Man of the Match: DL Juri Judt 9.0

Form: Baumann 6.8, Aurier 7.3, Klein 7.3, Heintz 8.2, Judt 9.0, Crimi 7.6, Galetto 7.0, Clemens 8.8, Fandrich 7.1, Keane 8.2, Poulsen 7.5

I gave Judt the start here because he played 9 season for Fürth, not to mention some fixture congestion. Boy, did Judt impress against his old club. Two assists and a dominating defensive performance. We played with two forwards and gave Jo and Andersen a rest before Marseille in two days. Fandrich was solid and Keane was fantastic as we started with two forwards for the first time since closing out last season.

Players Named
DL Juri Judt, DC Dominque Heintz and AMR Christian Clemens were named to the Bundesliga Team of the Week.

Champions League Group C Match Day #6
Yellow Cards Galore in Snooze Fest
RB Leipzig 0 – 0 Olympique Marseille
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 13/3, OM 11/2
Possession: OM 53/47
Cautions: Leipzig: Galetto (16), Heintz (18), Klein (60), Oyenard (83), OM: Reale (28), Diamé (29, red 71), Masson (59), J. Ayew (67)
Man of the Match: DL Dominique Heintz 7.4

Form: Baumann 6.5, Aurier 6.9, Politevich 7.0, Klein 6.7, Heintz 7.4, Oyenard 6.7, Galetto 6.7, Poulsen 6.6, Andersen (sub 67) 6.1, Clemens 6.8, Joãozinho (sub 67) 6.4, Brisolla (on 67) 6.6, Keane (on 67) 6.7

Not much to say in this one other than the fact that both teams kind of stunk it up. We're group winners at least and will face a second place team in our first round match in February. Heintz deputised wonderfully at left back today.

DM Guillermo Galetto will be suspended for the next Champions League match after collecting his third yellow card.

The club has been awarded £422K for the draw.

Top Players
1. DC Dominique Heintz: 22 apps, 7 goals, 2 PoM, 7.41
2. ST Yussuf Poulsen: 19 apps, 16 goals, 2 assists, 4 PoM, 7.41
3. AMR Christian Clemens: 22 apps, 8 goals, 11 assists, 4 PoM, 7.35

[Grover]

December 2016
Board Confidence
They are absolutely delighted. Same stuff as last month, no changes there.

Bundesliga Match Day #15
Clemens Nets Incredible Hat Trick Against Former Club
(8) Schalke 2 – 4 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Schalke: Canales (59), Huntelaar (65) Leipzig: Clemens (34, 79, 84), Poulsen (90+3)
Shots/On Target: Schalke 13/7, Leipzig 12/5
Possession: Leipzig 54/46
Man of the Match: AMR Christian Clemens 9.6

Form: Baumann 6.7, Aurier 6.6, Politevich 7.5, van Aanholt (sub 67) 6.2, Heintz 7.2, Oyenard 6.8, Galetto (sub 67) 6.5, Clemens 9.6, Andersen 9.0, Joãozinho 6.9, Poulsen 8.1, Klein (on 67) 7.0, Crimi (on 67) 6.8

We started brightly, though it took 34 minutes to score. Clemens was clearly out to prove something today and was magnificent. His two goals in five minutes to put us in front for good absolutely silenced the home crowd. Lucas Andersen provided 3 assists, while Poulsen had a goal and assist. Fantastic win and we get them again in TWO days.

Clemens Named
AMR Christian Clemens was named Bundesliga Player of the Week.

DFB Pokal Third Round
Schalke Edge Extra-Time Affair
Schalke 1 – 0 RB Leipzig
Goals: Schalke: Tut (102)
Shots/On Target: Schalke 21/6, Leipzig 13/4
Possession: Schalke 51/49
Cautions: Schalke: Santana (113), Leipzig: Nestor (62), Klein (114)
Man of the Match: DC David Opoku 7.5

Form: Baumann 6.6, Nestor 7.0, Willers 7.0, Klein 7.3, van Aanholt 6.8, Crimi (inj 45) 6.8, Galetto 6.7, Clemens 6.7, Brisolla (sub 45) 6.7, Joãozinho 6.8, Keane 6.5, Oyenard (on 45) 6.8, Fandrich (on 45) 6.8

Everyone on both sides was exhausted after playing just two days ago. 0-0 through 90 minutes and it didn't take long for Tut to put Schalke ahead for good. We just didn't have enough in the tank today.

We have been given £459K for the loss.

Bundesliga Match Day #16
Clemens in Rich Vein of Form With Second Straight Hat Trick
(1) RB Leipzig 4 – 0 Freiburg (13)
Goals: Leipzig: Clemens (4, 19, 77), Poulsen (15)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 13/6, Freiburg 19/7
Possession: Freiburg 54/46
Cautions: Leipzig: Aurier (78), Freiburg: Stengel (47), Nuytinck (56)
Man of the Match: AMR Christian Clemens 9.6

Form: Baumann 7.7, Aurier 8.7, Politevich 7.6, Heintz 8.2, van Aanholt (sub 56) 6.7, Oyenard 7.2, Galetto (sub 56) 6.5, Clemens 9.6, Andersen 8.0, Joãozinho 8.0, Poulsen 8.4, Crimi (on 56) 6.6, Judt (on 56) 6.6

Another big win and two straight Bundesliga hat tricks from Christian Clemens. The right winger has been unstoppable as we continue to push forward. One more match until the break and it will be well-deserved. We'll be in first.

Clemens Named
AMR Christian Clemens has been named the Bundesliga Player of the Week. Along with him, GK Oliver Baumann, DC Dominique Heintz, DR Serge Aurier and AMC Lucas Andersen were named to the Bundesliga Team of the Week.

Champions League First Knockout Round Draw
We will be traveling to London to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on February 8 for the first match of two against the Premier League club.

Bundesliga Match Day #17
Leipzig Ease Into Break at Table's Top
(12) Augsburg 0 – 2 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Leipzig: Heintz (34), Keane (75)
Shots/On Target: Augsburg 11/4, Leipzig 14/7
Possession: Augsburg 53/47
Cautions: Leipzig: van Aanholt (47)
Man of the Match: DC Dominique Heintz 7.8

Form: Baumann 7.3, Aurier 7.0, Klein 6.9, van Aanholt (sub 62) 6.4, Politevich 7.2, Oyenard 6.8, Clemens 6.4, Andersen 6.8, Joãozinho 6.9, Poulsen (sub 62) 6.3, Judt (on 62) 6.8, Keane (on 62) 7.2

Seventh straight victory in the Bundesliga leads us into the month-long break. Our biggest new signings have been phenomenal this season, Clemens and Heintz especially.

Poulsen Injured
Couldn't happen at a better time? ST Yussuf Poulsen is suffering from a sports hernia and will miss 4-5 weeks.

Interview Day?
Everton (19), Southampton (10), Cagliari (12) and Hoffenheim (15) have all been declined after offering interviews for their manager position.

Friendly
FC Nantes 1 – 1 RB Leipzig

Top Players
1. AMR Christian Clemens: 26 apps, 14 goals, 11 assists, 6 PoM, 7.46
2. DC Dominique Heintz: 25 apps, 8 goals, 3 PoM, 7.45
3. ST Yussuf Poulsen: 22 apps, 18 goals, 4 assists, 4 PoM, 7.43

[Grover]

January 2017
Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. Supporters are concerned with Patrick van Aanholt's recent performances.

Free Transfer
AMC Alen Halilovic, 20, Croatia
We are pleased to announce the signing of Alen Halilovic on a pre-contract. The highly-rated attacking midfielder will join us on June 16, when his contract with Dinamo expires. He will give us an alternative to Lucas Andersen, but can also serve on the right side, giving us options across the attacking midfield. He is more of a goal-scorer than Andersen is. Very exciting young signing for us.



Friendlies
Olympique Noisy-le-Sec 1 – 2 RB Leipzig
Luzenac 1 – 4 RB Leipzig


Heintz Injured
DC Dominique Heintz was injured in the friendly win over Luzenac. He will miss 3 weeks with a groin strain.

Friendly
FC Mulhouse 0 – 2 RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig 1 – 0 América

Crimi Injured
DM Marco Crimi has suffered a twisted knee and will miss 2-3 weeks.

Bundesliga Match Day #18
Own Goal Cancels Out Andersen's Stunner
(1) RB Leipzig 1 – 1 Stuttgart (4)
Goals: Leipzig: Andersen (26) Stuttgart: Clemens o.g. (87)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 10/2, Stuttgart 11/3
Possession: Stuttgart 51/49
Cautions: Stuttgart: Schmelzer (27)
Man of the Match: AMC Lucas Andersen 8.3

Form: Baumann 6.7, Aurier 6.8, Klein 7.0, Heintz 6.8, van Aanholt 6.7, Politevich 7.0, Oyenard 6.5, Clemens 6.8, Andersen 8.3, Joãozinho (sub 62) 6.6, Poulsen (sub 62) 6.5, Fandrich (on 62) 6.6, Keane (on 62) 6.6

Boy, oh boy. We had this one by the short-hairs until Clemens turned in Martin Harnik's headed corner. It slipped by Baumann, the right winger held his head in his hands in shame and we knew we had just conceded two points. Andersen's goal was an incredible 25 yard free kick from the right side of the field, ending up in the top right corner of goal. Brilliant stuff.

Andersen Named
AMC Lucas Andersen was named to the Bundesliga Team of the Week.

Top Players
1. AMR Christian Clemens: 27 apps, 14 goals, 12 assists, 6 PoM, 7.44
2. DC Dominique Heintz: 26 apps, 8 goals, 3 PoM, 7.43
3. ST Yussuf Poulsen: 23 apps, 18 goals, 4 assists, 4 PoM, 7.39

[Grover]

Febuary 2017
Thomalla Moving
ST Denis Thomalla has joined Braunschweig on loan for the remainder of the season.

Board Confidence
The board is delighted and still unhappy with PvA's recent performances.

Andersen Signs New Deal
Lucas Andersen has signed a lucrative 3 year deal worth £7M. We're happy to give him a raise and keep him around a few more years.

Bundesliga Match Day #19
Sluggish Bulls Manage Draw
(11) Hannover 1 – 1 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Hannover: Suárez (19), Leipzig: Andersen (60)
Shots/On Target: Hannover 13/5, Leipzig 10/2
Possession: Hannover 52/48
Cautions: Hannover: Lopes (85)
Man of the Match: AMR Davide Fabbrini 7.8

Form: Baumann 7.1, Aurier 6.8, Heintz 6.9, van Aanholt 6.9, Politevich 6.8, Oyenard 6.7, Joãozinho (sub 59) 6.3, Andersen 7.2, Clemens (sub 59) 6.4, Poulsen 6.7, Brisolla (on 57) 6.7, Frahn (on 68) 6.7, Keane (on 59, inj 68) –

A game we should have won coming in, Hannover played us tough and we struggled to get into gear. Jo has been struggling, Clemens is back to being hot and cold.

Keane Injured
Will Keane will miss 2-3 weeks with a twisted knee.

Champions League
First Knockout Round, First Leg
Six Goal Thriller at the Bridge
Chelsea 3 – 3 RB Leipzig
Goals: Chelsea: Willian (6), Lukaku (36), Oscar (62) Leipzig: Poulsen (24), Crimi (45), Clemens (48)
Shots/On Target: Chelsea 27/11, Leipzig 8/4
Possession: Chelsea 56/44
Cautions: Chelsea: Bertrand (6), Wanyama (81), Kovacic (84) Leipzig: Aurier (3), Klein (17)
Man of the Match: AMR Christian Clemens 7.9

Form: Baumann 6.7, Aurier 6.9, Klein 6.6, Heintz 6.6, van Aanholt 6.6, Crimi 7.3, Oyenard (sub 59) 6.7, Clemens 7.9, Andersen (sub 59) 6.8, Joãozinho 6.9, Poulsen 7.0, Brisolla (on 59) 6.7, Politevich (on 59) 6.8

We actually hung with an extremely talented Chelsea squad. They beat our door down all day long to the tune of 27 shots, 11 on target. Baumann stopped the majority of them. We only had 8, 4 on target, but we made those things count. Three goals and some brilliant play by Christian Clemens. Three away goals will be massive for the return leg. Now we have to travel back to Germany, two days' rest before Gladbach, who always give us trouble.

Bambara to Retire
DM Moise Bambara has stated his intention to retire when his contract with us ends. We signed him on a free in 2013. He went on to make 58 league appearances for us, the bulk being in D3 and D2 with 4 goals, 2 assists, 1 PoM and a 7.03 rating.

Bundesliga Match Day #20
Drawing in 2017, Leipzig Yet to Win (or Lose)
(1) RB Leipzig 1 – 1 Gladbach (9)
Goals: Leipzig: Fandrich (73) Gladbach: Kiyotake (56)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 7/2, Gladbach 15/5
Possession: Gladbach 53/47
Man of the Match: AMC Hiroshi Kiyotake 7.2

Form: Baumann 6.8, Nestor 6.5, Politevich 6.7, Klein 7.1, van Aanholt 6.7, Oyenard 7.2, Galetto 6.6, Fandrich 7.2, Brisolla 6.4, Joãozinho 7.0, Poulsen 6.2

A pretty ugly affair all around. A win this year would be nice.

Bundesliga Match Day #21
Bulls Romp to First Win of '17
(8) Wolfsburg 0 – 3 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Leipzig: Andersen (17), Fandrich (66), Crimi (86)
Shots/On Target: Wolfsburg 8/3, Leipzig 17/7
Possession: Wolfsburg 52/48
Cautions: Wolfsburg: Sakai (6) Leipzig: Crimi (88)
Man of the Match: AML Joãozinho 8.0

Form: Baumann 6.8, Aurier 7.6, Klein 7.1, Heintz 7.5, van Aanholt 7.3, Politevich (sub 64) 6.7, Oyenard 7.3, Clemens 6.8, Andersen (sub 64) 7.2, Joãozinho 8.0, Poulsen (sub 64) 6.7, Frahn (on 64) 6.7, Crimi (on 64) 7.4, Fandrich (on 64) 7.2

That was the game we needed. We subbed out some starters around the hour mark because our fixture list is quite congested. Jo takes PoM honors, adding two assists. The back four was very good, as was Oyenard. Strong win, another match in three days.

Budesliga Match Day #22
Leipzig's 12th Man, Own Goal Scores Two
(10) Werder Bremen 1 – 3 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Bremen: Petersen (pen 25) Leipzig: Petersen o.g. (3), Ademi o.g. (34), Andersen (69)
Shots/On Target: Bremen 14/6, Leipzig 19/3
Possession: 50/50
Cautions: Leipzig: Galetto (85)
Man of the Match: GK Oliver Baumann 7.3

Form: Baumann 7.3, Nestor 6.9, Klein 7.2, Heintz 6.9, Aurier 7.1, Politevich 7.3, Galetto 6.9, Clemens 6.9, Andersen 7.2, Joãozinho 6.9, Poulsen 6.4

Well, that was rather unconventional, but it's two wins on the trot heading into a massive home date with Dortmund, who are 7 behind us with two games in hand. Two own goals led the way for us today, with Lucas Andersen scoring our only real goal, with Jo getting the assist.

Inter Approach
Inter have offered me their management position. A £32M transfer kitty with the orders to win Serie A. I decline.

This is just hours before we host Dortmund...

Bundesliga Match Day #23
See-Saw Sees-Draw
(1) RB Leipzig 3 – 3 Dortmund (2)
Goals: Leipzig: Heintz (34), Oyenard (52), Joãozinho (82) Dortmund: Blaszczykowski (14), Holtby (55), Volland (56)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 7/5, Dortmund 17/5
Possession: Dortmund 62/38
Cautions: Leipzig: van Aanholt (53), Aurier (82)
Man of the Match: AMR Jakub Blasczcykowski 8.7

Form: Baumann 6.5, Aurier 6.6, Klein 6.2, Heintz 7.3, van Aanholt 6.9, Oyenard 7.3, Crimi (sub 79) 6.7, Clemens 6.8, Brisolla 7.0, Fandrich (sub 45) 6.4, Poulsen (sub 45) 6.4, Galetto (on 79) –, Joãozinho (on 45) 7.8, Frahn (on 45) 6.4

Well, this was fantastic. We were dominated from the outset. Stole a goal from a corner to level it at one, before getting another set-piece engineered goal through Oyenard. We fell apart, completely, in the next five minutes following Gustavo's goal. Lewis Holtby and Kevin Volland manage to turn the score to 3-2 in Dortmund's favor with two goals in as many minutes. We looked doomed until the last 10 minutes with Jo giving us a desperate equalizer. We have a 6 point lead, but Dortmund has one game in hand.

Bundesliga Match Day #24
Bulls Toothless in Scoreless Draw
(15) Hertha BSC 0 – 0 RB Leipzig (1)
Shots/On Target: Hertha 14/6, Leipzig 8/3
Possession: Hertha 51/49
Cautions: Hertha: Pekarik (41), Lang (42), Langkamp (58), Zimmerman (90), Leipzig: Heintz (51), Crimi (77)
Man of the Match: GK Thomas Kraft 7.5

Form: Baumann 6.8, Nestor 7.0, Klein 6.8, Heintz 7.3, van Aanholt 6.8, Politevich (sub 68) 6.8, Oyenard 6.9, Poulsen 6.7, Andersen 6.7, Joãozinho 6.8, Clemens (sub 68) 6.5, Crimi (on 68) 6.6, Keane (on 68) 6.6

One word for this match: Meh.

Champions League
First Knockout Round, Second Leg
Chelsea Edge Leipzig to Move On
RB Leipzig 0 (3) – (4) 1 Chelsea
Goals: Chelsea: Oscar (30)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 9/2, Chelsea 14/5
Possession: Chelsea 61/39
Cautions: Leipzig: Aurier (62), Chelsea: Wanyama (9)
Man of the Match: AMR Willian 7.6

Form: Baumann 6.7, Aurier 6.3, Klein 6.7, Heintz 6.8, van Aanholt (sub 63) 6.2, Politevich 6.5, Galetto 6.6, Clemens 6.6, Joãozinho (sub 45) 6.4, Brisolla (sub 53) 6.4, Poulsen 6.3, Judt (on 63) 6.8, Fandrich (on 53) 6.5, Andersen (on 45) 6.4

We can't be too disappointed in the result. Chelsea dominated us from the opening whistle and we did all we could to hang on. Fandrich missed a golden chance to level the game and give us the lead on away goals around 65', but his shot went harmlessly wide. Well, we've gotten to the first knockout round, next year we'll aim for one round further.

We have been given £2.95M for playing in the first knockout round.

Top Players
1. DC Dominique Heintz: 33 apps, 9 goals, 3 PoM, 7.35
2. AMR Christian Clemens: 34 apps, 15 goals, 13 assists, 7 PoM, 7.31
3. AML Joãozinho: 33 apps, 10 goals, 18 assists, 5 PoM, 7.21

[Grover]

And from here, a question to those of you who are still following along:

Is there anything you'd like to see? I'd like to implement some new stuff for the 2017-18 season. Are the posts too long? Would you rather see bi-weekly updates rather than monthly updates? Do you want to know more of what's happening around Europe?

Any thoughts, suggestions or criticisms, feel free!

Thanks for reading along!

[Grover]

March 2017
Board Confidence
The board is very pleased with the overall leadership of the team. A major factor has been the major increase in stature since my arrival nearly four years ago. Despite the positives, fans are disappointed with the draw with Hannover at the beginning of February.

Bundesliga Match Day #25
Last Minute Penalty Gasp Buoys Bulls
(1) RB Leipzig 1 – 0 Leverkusen (4)
Goals: Leipzig: Keane (pen 90+1)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 8/3, Leverkusen 13/5
Possession: Leverkusen 55/45
Cautions: Leverkusen: Nainggolan (71)
Man of the Match: GK Oliver Baumann 7.2

Form: Baumann 7.2, Aurier 7.1, Klein 6.9, Heintz 6.7, van Aanholt 6.8, Crimi 6.9, Oyenard 6.8, Clemens 6.8, Andersen 6.4, Joãozinho 6.8, Poulsen (sub 54) 6.4, Keane (on 54) 6.8

Wins don't come match later than that. We struggled most of the time before finally winning a penalty when Jo got raked down from behind in the box. Keane smoked the attempt and we took the spoils.

Baumann Named
GK Oliver Baumann has been named to the Bundesliga Team of the Week.

Bundesliga Match Day #26
Poulsen Brace Makes it Easy
(17) Hoffenheim 0 – 3 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (17, 66), Heintz (80)
Shots/On Target: Hoffenheim 5/1, Leipzig 23/9
Possession: Hoffenheim: 51/49
Cautions: Hoffenheim: Beck (7), Acquah (45), Ignjovski (55)
Man of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen 9.1

Form: Baumann 7.0, Arier 7.6, Klein 7.2, Heintz 7.9, van Aanholt 7.6, Oyenard (sub 65) 6.3, Galetto 7.0, Clemens 7.1, Andersen (sub 65) 6.6, Joãozinho 9.0, Poulsen 9.1, Brisolla (on 65) 6.7, Crimi (on 65) 6.8

Poulsen now has 21 goals and Heintz, from DC inexplicably has 10. Jo provides two assists and this is a nice victory ahead of our clash with Bayern.

Looking back through history, Acquah and Ignjovski have been carded in every match we've played against Hoffenheim.

Poulsen Named
ST Yussuf Poulsen was named Bundesliga Player of the Week, he also was named to the Team of the Week. Joining him are GK Oliver Baumann, DC Dominique Heintz and AML Joãozinho.

Bundesliga Match Day #27
Poulsen and Bulls Best Bayern
(1) RB Leipzig 1 – 0 Bayern München (2)
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (24)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 11/3, Bayern 10/2
Possession: Bayern 51/49
Cautions: Leipzig: Klein (1), van Aanholt (44), Aurier (57) Bayern: Martinez (31), Alaba (72)
Man of the Match: DL Patrick van Aanholt 7.5

Form: Baumann 6.8, Aurier 7.1, Klein 6.9, Heintz 7.3, van Aanholt 7.5, Politevich 6.9, Oyenard 6.8, Clemens 6.6, Andersen 6.8, Joãozinho 6.7, Poulsen 7.2

Huge victory. We're 10 points up on Bayern and Dortmund, though the latter have a game in hand. Poulsen is finding the net again, this time assisted by Andersen. The back four was solid in what was an extremely even match.

We now hold a 2-1-1 record against Bayern. Not too shabby at all.

Bundesliga Match Day #28
Poulsen Scores Again, But Bulls Draw
(7) HSV 1 – 1 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: HSV: Rudnevs (30), Leipzig: Poulsen (32)
Shots/On Target: HSV 6/1, Leipzig 5/2
Possession: HSV 55/45
Cautions: HSV: Rincón (77)
Man of the Match: DR Dennis Aogo 7.2

Form: Baumann 6.8, Nestor 6.7, Klein 6.7, Heintz 6.8, Judt 6.7, Crimi 7.1, Galetto (inj 9) –, Fandrich 6.8, Brisolla (inj 70) 6.4, Joãozinho 6.5, Poulsen 7.0, Andersen (on 70) 6.8, Oyenard (on 9) 6.6

We're up 11 on Dortmund, but we've played that extra game. They ended up losing to Augsburg, which is massive for us. Poulsen with his fourth in three games, but neither side really deserved more than a point. Just a disappointing performance all around.

Brisolla, Galetto Injured
DM Guillermo Galetto (23 apps, 6.78) has suffered a damaged elbow and will miss 2-3 weeks.

AMC Felipe Brisolla (17 apps, 6.83) has sustained a thigh strain and will miss 2 weeks.

Luckily, we've got two full weeks before our next match.

Baumann Signs New Deal
GK Oliver Baumann has signed a new 3-year, £11M deal. We tied this up to get rid of the pesky 'match highest earner' clause in his previous deal.

Top Players
1. DC Dominique Heintz: 37 apps, 10 goals, 3 PoM, 7.33
2. AMR Christian Clemens: 37 apps, 15 goals, 13 assists, 7 PoM, 7.28
3. AML Joãozinho: 37 apps, 10 goals, 21 assists, 5 PoM, 7.21
4. ST Yussuf Poulsen: 35 apps, 23 goals, 5 assists, 5 PoM, 7.20

[Grover]

April 2017
Board Confidence
The club is very pleased with my leadership. They are disappointed with the 0-0 draw with Hertha BSC.

Bundesliga Match Day #29
Bulls Limp to Draw
(1) RB Leipzig 1 – 1 Frankfurt (15)
Goals: Leipzig: Politevich (pen 49) Frankfurt: Füllkrug (58)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 15/6, Frankfurt 6/3
Possession: Leipzig 51/49
Cautions: Leipzig:Aurier (60), van Aanholt (83) Frankfurt: Schwegler (45+1), Strandberg (48), Kempf (73)
Man of the Match: DM Sergey Politevich 7.2

Form: Baumann 6.9, Aurier 6.7, Klein 6.8, Heintz 6.9, van Aanholt 6.9, Politevich 7.2, Oyenard 6.8, Clemens 6.6, Andersen 6.7, Joãozinho 6.9, Poulsen (sub 73) 6.4, Frahn (on 73) 6.7

We dominated, but couldn't turn that into goals. We were strong in the attacking end, but all we had to show for it was a penalty. Eight point lead over Bayern with 5 matches to play.

PvA and Aurier will be suspended for the next match because of yellow cards. Aurier is a card machine.

Joãozinho Signs New Deal
We have signed the AML to a new 4 year, £13M deal.

Bundesliga Match Day #30
Bottom Feeders Best Bulls
(1) RB Leipzig 0 – 1 Kaiserslautern (18)
Goals: Kaiser: Pekhart (9)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 22/11, Kaiser 6/2
Possession: Leipzig 56/44
Cautions: Leipzig: Judt (27), Oyenard (53), Kaiser: Funk (54)
Man of the Match: ST Tomas Pekhart 7.4

Form: Baumann 6.8, Nestor 6.8, Klein 6.8, Politevich 6.7, Judt 6.9, Oyenard 6.9, Heintz (on 59) 6.4, Clemens 6.7, Andersen 6.5, Joãozinho (sub 59) 6.5, Poulsen 6.0, Fandrich (on 59) 6.6, Galetto (on 59) 6.7

Our undefeated Bundesliga season is over and we slump to a terrible loss to the worst club in the league this year.

Bundesliga Match Day #31
Leipzig Look Like Champions in Victory
(17) Fürth 2 – 4 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Fürth: Azemi (6), Djurdjuric (58) Leipzig: Poulsen (8), Joãozinho (26, 35), Andersen (63)
Shots/On Target: Fürth 16/9, Leipzig 23/9
Possession: Leipzig 53/47
Man of the Match: AML Joãozinho 8.8

Form: Baumann 6.6, Aurier 7.0, Klein 6.7, Heintz 7.1, van Aanholt 6.8, Politevich 7.0, Oyenard 6.7, Clemens 6.9, Andersen 8.2, Joãozinho 8.8, Poulsen 7.3

Bayern beats Freiburg 4-0, our 5 point lead with 3 to play still stands. Jo was the star with a pair of goals and an assist. We looked really good, even though a couple of goals got leaked to another relegation-starved club. We've got to carry on. Wins will take us where we want to go.

In some good news, we have qualified for the Champions League.

Jo Named
AML Joãozinho has been named as the Bundesliga Player of the Week. Joining him in the Team of the Week are AMC Lucas Andersen and ST Yussuf Poulsen

Bundesliga Match Day #32
Schalke Record Big Win, Leave Bulls Cowering
(1) RB Leipzig 0 – 1 Schalke (6)
Goals: Schalke: Szalai (82)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 14/3, Schalke 9/6
Possession: Leipzig 52/48
Man of the Match: DR Serge Aurier 7.5

Form: Baumann 6.6, Aurier 7.5, Klein 6.9, Heintz 6.8, van Aanholt 7.0, Politevich 6.8, Oyenard (sub 75) 6.5, Clemens 6.8, Andersen 6.4, Joãozinho 6.5, Poulsen (sub 75) 6.5, Crimi (on 75) 6.5, Keane (sub 75) 6.7

All it took was one mistake at the back and our good work was undone. With two matches remaining Bayern sits just two points behind us. We have to win.

Bundesliga Match Day #33
Bulls Stampede Toward Bundesliga Title
(12) Freiburg 0 – 4 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Leipzig: Clemens (18), Heintz (24), Poulsen (52, 72)
Shots/On Target: Freiburg 8/3, Leipzig 16/9
Possession: Freiburg 54/46
Man of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen 9.1

Form: Baumann 7.5, Aurier 7.9, Klein 7.8, Heintz 8.8, van Aanholt 7.8, Politevich 7.1, Oyenard 7.1, Poulsen 9.1, Andersen 8.1, Clemens 8.9, Joãozinho (inj 87) 7.3, Keane (on 87) –

Bayern also take a road win at Wolfsburg 4-0. It comes down to the final day. A win and we take the title. A draw with a Bayern win and they would take it on goal differential. A win is imperative and guarantees the title. The ENTIRE squad was fantastic today. Clemens, Andersen and Poulsen shined up front, while the entire back four excelled under constant pressure.

We want this title.

Joãozinho Injury Blow
Our captain and star left winger is set to miss 5-6 weeks with a sprained ankle. He will heartbreakingly miss the final match of the season and a chance to be on the pitch when and if we win the Bundesliga.

Table
1. RB Leipzig 33 played. 21 wins, 10 draws, 2 losses. 71 goals for, 30 against, +41, 73 points
2. Bayern 33 played, 21 wins, 8 draws, 4 losses. 75 goals for, 20 against, +55, 71 points

[Grover]

May 2017 – THE FINAL DAY
Bundesliga Match Day #34

Leipzig Starting XI: Baumann, van Aanholt, Heintz, Klein, Aurier, Oyenard, Politevich, Andersen, Brisolla, Clemens, Poulsen

Augsburg Starting XI: Wolf, N'Sakala, Klavan, Brakstad, Schwertfeger, Demme, Bodzek, Moravek, Aguirregaray, Akpala, Przybylko

1 – Leipzig: Some nice interplay from the kickoff, Aurier works it down the right side and crosses in, but Wolf catches easily.

6 – Augsburg: After intercepting the ball, the visitors work it around before finding Akpala alone at the top of the box. His shot is fought off by Baumann for a corner.

9 – Leipzig: Klein with a fantastic tackle on Akapala at the top of the box. It's worked down field quickly for Poulsen to force a shot on goal. Wolf saves.

17 – Leipzig: A shot by Clemens forces a corner that leads to a small burst of possession, ending with another saved shot from Wolf on Poulsen.

27 – Augsburg: They break on Leipzig again with Przybylko getting behind the defenders. He tries a lob on Baumann who is a bit far off his line. GOAL! 0-1

45+3 – Leipzig: Andersen has a free kick at the top of the box, but it limply falls into Wolf's hands.

HALFTIME – Leipzig is down a goal and playing very nervously. We've been struggling at home the past month and today has been no exception. Heintz and Politevich have been our best players at 6.8. I tell the team they don't look like a team that wants to win this. The majority of the players looked motivated after my speech. No changes to the side just yet.

Our old friends Stuttgart lead Bayern 1-0 at the half in Munich.

53 – Augsburg: Both teams started the second half slowly, N;Sakala has the first chance of note and fires a free kick into the wall.

54 – Leipzig: Clemens burst down the right , skips two defenders and crosses for Lucas Andersen on the left side of the box. Andersen turns and fires a one-timer. GOAL! 1-1

57 – Leipzig: We're confident now and buzzing in the final third. Clemens wins a corner that comes to nothing, but we are moving forward.

62 – Augsburg: Leipzig struggles to win possession in midfield, Moravek sprints down the right and cross for N'Sakala. He takes a shot from a poor angle and beats Baumann! GOAL 1 – 2

70 – Leipzig: Another chance goes begging. Poulsen is in front and slices his shot horribly wide.

80 – Leipzig: Again another chance is squandered. Andersen crosses for Felipe Brisolla who misses just left of goal.

87 – Augsburg: Serge Aurier pulls down Lam Zhi Gin in the box, giving Kacer Przybylko the opportunity to step up on the spot. GOAL 1 – 3

89 – Leipzig: Felipe Brisolla twists and turns into the Augsburg box before being raked down. Sergey Politevich steps up and takes his penalty. GOAL 2 – 3

FULL TIME – A terrible loss for Die Bullen in a match we really needed. Andersen and Politevich responded to the criticism at halftime, but the rest of the team struggled to handle the pressure of a title-tilt.

RB Leipzig 2 – 3 Augsburg
Goals: Andersen (55), Politevich (pen 90) Augsburg: Przybylko (27, pen 88), N;Sakala (62)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 14/8, Augsburg 9/4
Possession: Augsburg 51/49
Cautions: Leipzig: van Aanholt (1), Klein (33), Politevich (52)
Man of the Match: ST Kacer Przybylko 8.6

Form: Baumann 6.4, Aurier 6.6, Klein 6.3, Heintz 6.8, van Aanholt 6.3, Politevich 7.2, Oyenard 6.6, Clemens 6.4, Brisolla 6.7, Andersen 7.1, Poulsen 6.5

FC Bayern München 0 – 1 Stuttgart

You read that right!

RASENBALLSPORT LEIPZIG CLINCH FIRST BUNDESLIGA TITLE
Despite a crucial final day 3-2 loss to Augsburg, title bid rivals Bayern München couldn't break through at home against Stuttgart and dropped their match 1-0. With that RB Leipzig have clinched the Bundesliga title in just their second season in the division. Speaking after the results played out, the club's board have declared the Bundesliga triumph a 'truly momentous' occasion and are delighted with Florek Tomczak masterminding the club's continued upward success. The continued by stating with Tomczak at the helm, anything seemed possible.

Supporters are also showering their manager with love, with one supporter saying that this achievement was symbolic of the great work Tomczak had achieved at the club in just a scant four years.

The players got in on the act as well, with DC Dominique Heintz directing the majority of praise toward the Polish manager.

[SirFozzie]

Congrats!

[Grover]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

Congrats!

Thank you, Sir!

[Grover]

May 2017
Prize Money
The club have been awarded £39.13M for winning the Bundesliga.

DFB Pokal Final
Leverkusen 0 – 1 Bayern München

Hertha Stay Up
Hertha BSC have won the Relegation/Promotion match by defeating 2nd League side Union Berlin 4-3 over two legs.

Squad Payout
£2M have been paid out to players for winning the Bundesliga.

Bundesliga Award Winners
Player of the Year: AMR Marco Reus, Dortmund. 17 goals, 7.18 rating in 32 matches.

Players' Player of the Year: AML Mario Götze, Bayern München. 11 goals, 7.26 rating in 27 matches

Top Goalscorer Award: ST Daniel Ginczek, Gladbach. 23 goals

Manager of the Year: Florek Tomczak, RB Leipzig

Players' Manager of the Year: Florek Tomczak, RB Leipzig

Bundesiga Team of the Season
GK Sven Ulreich, Stuttgart
DL David Alaba, Bayern
DC Tomas Kalas, Bayern
DC Dominique Heintz, RB Leipzig
DR Philipp Lahm, Bayern
MC Thiago, Bayern
MC Gylfi Sigurdsson, Dortmund
AML Mario Götze, Bayern
AMC Hiroshi Kiyotake, Stuttgart
AMR Marco Reus, Dotmund
ST Christian Benteke, Bayern

Players' GK of the Year
1. Sven Ulreich, Stuttgart
2. Marc-André ter Stegen, Gladbach
3. Ron-Robert Zieler, Dortmund

Players' Defender of the Year
1. David Alaba, Bayern
2. Philipp Lahn, Bayern
3. Dominique Heintz, RB Leipzig

Players' Midfielder of the Year
1. Vladimir Weiss, Leverkusen
2. Gylfi Sigurdsson, Dortmund
3. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Bayern

Players' Striker of the Year
1. Christian Benteke, Bayern
2. Mame Diouf, Schalke
3. Nassim Ben Khalifa, Stuttgart

Board Confidence
The board is absolutely delighted with my performance this season. The club's performance in competitions entered was very good. The team's fantastic performance in the Bundesliga being the highlight. Additionally, the signings made this season proved adequate.

Champions League Final
Leverkusen 1 – 0 Real Madrid

We have been awarded £8.9M from Champions League television revenue.

[Grover]

June 2017
June 15
European League Rankings
1. Premier League (ENG)
2. Bundesliga (GER)
3. La Liga (ESP)
4. Serie A (ITA)
5. Ligue 1 (FRA)

European Club Rankings
1. Chelsea (ENG)
2. Juventus (ITA)
3. Real Madrid (ESP)
4. Arsenal (ENG)
5. Bayern München (GER)
6. Paris Saint-Germain (FRA)
7. Tottenham Hotspur (ENG)
8. Manchester City (ENG)
9. Altético Madrid (ESP)
10. Dortmund (GER)

We moved up 81 positions to 49th in Europe.

June 16
Bambara Retires
DM Moise Bambara has retired as his contract has expired with the club. He made 58 appearances in four season with four goals. During his time with the club he won two winner's medals. 2.Bundesliga and 3.Bundesliga in 2015 and 2014 respectively.

Halilovic Completes Transfer
AM Alen Halilovic (20) has completed his free transfer to the club after his contract with Dinamo ended. The young Croatian is expected to give Lucas Andersen competition for a starting role as the attacking central midfielder, while also providing backup duties to Christian Clemens at AMR.



June 18
Financials
The board has announced that dividends totaling £14.5M will be paid to shareholders. The club's turnover over the past year is approximately £108M.

The club have also been hit with a tax bill of £4.3M.

The club have announced a new continental competition sponsor The one year deal is expected to double last year's deal, totaling £1.2M.

The board have set the initial payroll at £825K per week, with a transfer budget of £15.19M.

June 19
Bundesliga Review
Winners: RB Leipzig, 73 points
Relegated: Fürth, Kaiserslautern
Top Scorer: 23 – Daniel Ginczek (Gladbach)
Most Assists: 17 – Joãozinho (RB Leipzig)
Highest Rating: 7.47 – David Alaba (FB Bayern, 31 apps)
Overachievers: RB Leipzig (1st, predicted 13th)
Underperformers: Freiburg (14th, predicted 7th)
Signings of the Season: Gladbach's Daniel Ginczek (£4.8M) – Runner Up: RB Leipzig's Christian Clemens (£3M)
Worst Signing of the Season: Kaiserslautern's Kevin Wimmer (£2.8M)
Promoted Clubs: Nürnburg (D2 champs), Braunschweig

June 20
RB Leipzig Awards
Supporters' Player of the Year: DC Dominique Heintz

Best XI: Baumann, van Aanholt, Klein, Heintz, Aurier, Crimi, Politevich, Joãozinho, Andersen, Clemens, Poulsen

Season Expectations
I tell the board I expect us to challenge for the title. We are given a £22M war chest with a £950K per week payroll budget.

Super Cup Draw
RB Leipzig will face off against Bayern München in the German Super Cup at Allianz-Arena on July 29.

Bayern have won the competition six times.

TV Rights
We will receive £9.61M for Bundesliga TV rights over the upcoming season.

Player News
We have released Gioacchino Dell'Isola, Denny Behrens, Blazej Dziewuslki, Thomas Schneider and Michael Kwiatkowski after they were unable to earn contracts with the club.

June 30
Contracts Expire
DL Juri Judt, ST Daniel Frahn, DC Tobias Willers, DM Dominik Kaiser and GK Kahriman have left the club after their contracts expired.

[mrtourette]

Wow what a story, excellent job!

[Grover]

Originally Posted by mrtourette

Wow what a story, excellent job!

Thank you!

[Grover]

July 2017
July 1
Die Bullen Finalize Pair of Signings
DL Ricardo Rodríguez, 24, Switzerland
Our left back of the future, the former Manchester City left back actually came to Wolfsburg from Zürich in 2011 for £7M before moving to City for £10M. He joins us, having been transfer listed and making just 5 starts in three years for Manchester City at the cut rate price of £3.9M.

RR doesn't have the pace we'd like out of a fullback, but he is fairly complete. He can attack and defend equally well and is outstanding mentally. He's a big step up over PvA, but will have to earn his place as the starting left fullback.



ML/AML Christian Atsu, 25, Ghana
We originally wanted a rotation option for Joãozinho, but may have found his successor instead. Stuck on Leverkusen's reserve squad, we've plucked the speedy Ghanian for just £3.6M. Initially he will split time with Jo until he's fully ready, but I don't think it will take long.

Atsu's main asset is his speed and he is very similar to Christian Clemens with his ability, but is slightly stronger mentally. We will continue to be fantastic on the wings this year. We're adding some fantastic depth with Atsu and Halilovic in the squad.



Board Confidence
To summarize, the board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. Last season's successes remain fresh in their memories and the current appraisal takes it fully into account. They are slightly disappointed with the loss of Dominik Kaiser. We sold 12,302 kits in June, 7,381 being non-domestic.

Friendly
Cruz Azul 1 – 2 RB Leipzig

July 3
Tix, Poulsen Tie Up Deals
GK Nicholas Tix has signed a new deal that will keep him with us for another two years.

ST Yussuf Poulsen has signed a lucrative 4-year, £12M deal that will keep him with the club through 2021.

July 5
'Wonderkid' Cikotic is Record Transfer
ST Filip Cikotic, 19, Croatia
Coming from Inter for £9M, Filip Cikotic is the forward that can potentially partner Yussuf Poulsen should we go into a two forward formation, or even potentially supplant him. While not a jumper and a bit weak in the concentration department (so is Poulsen on the latter), Cikotic is already an incredible player with the ball at his feet. Outstanding work rate and teamwork skills, he can take the long shots and the free kicks. The kid is going to be a star. He's already been capped twice for Croatia.



July 7
Bundesliga Title Odds
Bayern München: Evens
Dortmund 6-4
Leverkusen 7-4
Schalke 10-1
Stuttgart 16-1
Leipzig 20-1

The media has predicted us to finish 6th.

July 9
DFB Pokal Draw
We will face Ingelheim, a non-league side in the DFB Pokal first round. As the lower seed, Ingelheim will host the match at Stadion Blumengarten on August 5.

July 15
Friendly
Okayama FC 0 – 2 RB Leipzig

July 22
Friendly
Olympiakos 4 – 3 RB Leipzig

July 23
Hämmerle Joins Club
GK Dominik Hämmerle, 17, Austria
I won't post a picture of the youngster, joining us for £14.25K from SK Rapid Wien, because he is only going to be our third keeper behind Baumann and Tix for now. He has the ability to become a solid keeper and we hope he develops well starting for the second team.

July 26
Friendly
Catanzaro 1 – 0 RB Leipzig

Aurier Injured
DR Serge Aurier suffered a bruised rib in the match and will miss up to a week.

July 27
Thomalla Leaves
We have sold 24 year-old ST Denis Thomalla to Düsseldorf for £210K.

July 29
German Super Cup
Bayern Lift Super Cup in Penalty Kicks Thriller
FB Bayern München 1 (12) – (11) 1 RB Leipzig
Goals: Bayern: de Bruyne (2) Lepzig: Atsu (7)
Shots/On Target: Bayern 18/8, Leipzig 4/3
Possession: Bayern 62/38
Cautions: Bayern: Martinez (4) Leipzig: Nestor (22), Andersen (45)
Man of the Match: AML Kevin De Bruyne 8.2

Penalty Takers:
Atsu (RBL) – goal
Alaba (BAY) – SAVED
Clemens (RBL) – SAVED
Benteke (BAY) – goal
Oyenard (RBL) – goal
Schweinsteiger (BAY) – goal
Klein (RBL) - goal
Thiago (BAY) – goal
Heintz (RBL) – goal
Javi Martinez (BAY) – goal
Cikotic (RBL) – goal
Müller (BAY) – goal
Poulsen (RBL) – goal
Lahm (BAY) – goal
Nestor (RBL) – goal
Kalas (BAY) – goal
Galetto (RBL) – goal
Pietrasiak (BAY) – goal
Rodriguez (RBL) – goal
Götze (BAY) – goal
Baumann (RBL) – goal
Neuer (BAY) – goal
Atsu (RBL) – goal
Alaba (BAY) – goal
Clemens (RBL) – SAVED
Benteke (BAY) – goal

Form: Baumann 7.9, Nestor 6.5, Klein 6.8, Heintz 7.2, van Aanholt (sub 67) 6.5, Politevich (sub 67) 6.6, Oyenard 6.7, Andersen (sub 67) 6.7, Atsu 7.2, Cikotic 6.7, Poulsen 6.7, Rodríguez (on 67) 6.5, Galetto (on 67) 6.7, Clemens (on 67) 6.7

Wow. Can't be upset at that result. Bayern dominated from the opening whistle and we were practically bystanders for the majority of the match. Cikotic and Atsu hooked up wonderfully with the former assisting the latter for our only goal. Clemens is the scapegoat for the penalties loss, the only player missing two as it cycled back around.

We've been awarded £656K for the penalties loss.

July 31
Friendly
RB Leipzig 0 – 0 Fenerbaçhe

[Grover]

2017-18 RasenBallsport Leipzig First Team

GK 1. Oliver Baumann (£3.3M), 27, Germany, 3.5/3.5
As we continue to move up in our expectations, Baumann takes a small hit to his overall rating from last year's 4/4. He's still our top keeper by a long shot. He's played in 68 league matches, allowing 67 goals with 25 clean sheets and a 6.89 rating. His strengths are communication and concentration 17, one-on-ones, reflexes and teamwork at 16. His bravery and work rate 10 are his weakest skills for the position.

DL 3. Ricardo Rodrîguez (£8M), 24, Switzerland, 3.5/4.0
Noted in the previous post, the Swiss international comes to us from Manchester City. He's worth double what we paid for him and he is a marked improvement over Patrick van Aanholt. Though Juri Judt performed well when called upon, it will be much more reassuring to have a pair of fullbacks I can rely upon on the left side. His strengths are stamina 17, anticipation, composure, decisions and teamwork 16. He has no real negatives, except for maybe his 9 dribbling and 10 off the ball. He could be a bit quicker, but overall he's a very strong player.

DCL 4. Dominique Heintz (£9.5M), 23, Germany, 3.5/3.5
Heintz was without a doubt our best player last season. He provided 10 goals from the back and was instrumental on our road to the Bundesliga title. While he's a sturdy player for the most part, he grades out to just above average overall. I like that he's fairly comfortable with the ball at his feet. His strengths are his determination 19, strength 17 and jumping 16. He's a good tackler and marker and his positioning and bravery are nothing to sneeze at.

DCR 17. Zsomber Klein (£3.9M), 21, Hungary, 3.0/4.5
The Hungary international is getting better all the time. He handled the pressure of stepping up to the Champions League last season very well and another season paired with Heintz should see improved results for both players. Klein is still developing into the player he's meant to be. His strengths are his work rate 18, stamina and marking 17 and strength 16. He's also got good jumping and heading abilities, a very good marker and he's composed. My only issues with him are his lowish determination of 11 and he's not the fleetest of foot. We can cover that up though.

DR 16. Serge Aurier (£7M), 24, Ivory Coast, 3.5/4.0
Aurier had a good first term with the club. In 28 league matches he managed a 7.12 rating with a goal and six assists. He was a bit more of a card machine than I realized, seemingly picking up one every second match. Otherwise, we love his physical ability down that right side. He's going to continue to mature into a strong player for us. His strengths are his stamina 17 and his acceleration 16. He has a ton of stats hovering just below excellent, but like Rodrîguez, Aurier's weakest ability is in the attacking side. His 9 passing and 10 dribbling leave something to be desired, but if he can get past his man, he can fire the cross in.

DMCL 21. Guillermo Galetto (£2.8M), 19, Argentina, 2.5/5.0
He certainly struggled at times last season, but that doesn't mean I'm ready to give up on the teenager. I believe Galetto has an incredibly bright future ahead of him with Leipzig and that's the reason why I didn't go out and look for a veteran defensive midfielder to help he and Oyenard. They are rapidly improving for us. They have their days, as we all do, but they are becoming less and less frequent. His strengths are tackling, technique, bravery, teamwork and fitness 16. He's close to 16 in a few others, but his strength, composure and decisions still sit below 10. That will be different by season's end. He will be playing for Argentina internationally by this time in 2019.

DMCR 5. Gustavo Oyenard (£3.3M), 20, Uruguay, 3.0/4.5
Gus will be entering his third season for us since joining from his native country. He went from a 6.71 to a 6.83 and we hope another .12 increase or better in his form is coming up as he matures. Yes, our defensive midfield is young and can make mistakes, but I have a lot of confidence in the two players. Since joining us, Oyenard has been capped 11 times by Uruguay and is off to a bright future. His strengths are his flair 19, marking, tackling and stamina 16. He's got some other attributes coming close to peaking very nicely and he'll be a strong, strong player. His weak points for a defensive midfielder is his 5 bravery. Other than that I have no complaints.

AML 6. Joãozinho (£8.5M), 28, Brazil, 3.5/3.5
Though he is under increased pressure for his spot with the addition of Christian Atsu, Jo is our shining star in the attacking third since joining the club two seasons ago. He's made 65 starts in the Bundesliga with 16 goals and 31 assists and a 7.21 rating. He's been excellent. His strengths are his agility 18, creativity and acceleration 16. He's got some very strong mental attributes and his fitness is still holding fine. His only real weakness is his 9 balance and 7 strength, but as a winger it doesn't concern us as much.

AMC 12. Lucas Andersen (£4.1M), 22, Denmark, 3.5/4.0
Lucas can be a frustrating player. Brilliant one moment, absolute dross the next. We think he'll continue improving this season along with the rest of our attackers. We want more production from the center, rather than just the wingers this season. Lucas is key to make this happening. His strengths are his flair and technique 17, his first touch and creativity 16. He's extremely talented with the ball at his feet, but his work rate and bravery leave something to be desired. He's got fairly good speed and passing. He can do wonderful things with the football if his head is in the game.

AMR 15. Christian Clemens (£9.75M), 25, Germany, 3.5/3.5
Clemens was an absolute bargain at £3M last season with 15 goals and 10 assists in 32 Bundesliga starts. He will continue to be our influence down the right wing. His strengths are his pace 17 and acceleration 16. He has solid flair and crossing ability. He's average everywhere, his 10 passing would be the main weakness. He's does everything OK which can explain his sometimes erratic performances. He went on a run of alternating between 8.5+ and 6.5- over a span of 10 games at one point last year.

ST 9. Yussuf Poulsen (£5.75M), 23, Denmark, 3.5/4.0
This is a starting position that could also change or be a rotation option at some point. I love Poulsen, he has been here since the beginning and we've developed him fantastically. He can be a monster for opposing defenses and wreck havoc against teams when his mind is in the match. It seems like that has been becoming rarer and rarer for him as he ages and the competition becomes stronger though. His strengths are his strength 19, long throws and jumping 18, pace 17 and stamina and acceleration 16. Fantastic physically. His finishing is average as are most of his technical attributes. His concentration 8 and decisions 9 really hurt. As does the 10 teamwork. The rest of his mental skills are average, but he's just about peaked as a player.

Important Faces on the Bench

DC/DM 18. Sergey Politevich (£3.5M), 27, Belarus, 2.5/2.5
The defensive minded player will continue to provide strength in cover at DM and DC. We should certainly look into more cover at both positions as Politevich is our sole option. He's a sturdy one however and was quite dependable in two positions last season. We'll continue to look for him to be like that moving forward. His strengths are his jumping and leadership 17 and his determination, fitness and strength 16. He's not much of a technical player, which is what really holds him back.

AML 7. Christian Atsu (£10.25M), 25, Ghana, 3.5/3.5
There are strong arguments he should replace Jo in the starting XI, but I can't just sit our captain on the bench like that. Yes, Atsu is more of the traditional winger we like moving forward, but he has to earn his role in the starting lineup. He's only made 3 first team appearances in the last two years, so maybe he just needs a chance to really let loose. His strengths are his flair 17, acceleration and pace 16. His balance, passing and teamwork are his weakspots, but overall he's definitely above average and quite comparable to Clemens and Jo. Our depth could be dangerous.

AMC/AMR 8. Alen Halilovic (£3.1M), 21, Croatia, 2.5/4.5
Someone that Lucas Andersen has to watch out for. While very unpolished and perhaps a bit of a selfish player, Halilovic has some undeniable talent. He's not especially fast, but he's agile and has great quickness. He's a dangerous shooter from midfield and can be a dazzling player on the ball if he's feeling into the match. His strengths are his flair 19, agility 17 and composure 16. He has a number of attributes at 15 and he could get significant play time in our thick schedule. His weaknesses are his bravery 7, teamwork 6 and work rate 8. His concentration and decisions stand at 10, so it will be all about motivating the lad.

ST 10. Filip Cikotic (£8.75M), 19, Croatia, 3.5/4.5
You better believe Yussuf Poulsen is looking over his shoulder. Cikotic is more polished at 19 than Poulsen is at 23, but like Atsu, he has to earn his place as the true starter for the club. It's possible he and Halilovic could have the same national dynamic that Andersen and Poulsen share. The youngster has been capped twice by Croatia and is on the rise in a big way. His strengths are teamwork and long shots 19, heading and flair 17, dribbling, finishing, free kicks and work rate 16. Oh yes. He's going to score some goals, there's no doubt. He may work better in a two striker system. Right now his bravery 5 is a concern, as is his 10 concentration. The 8 jumping isn't a major issue, but we're sure he'll work through any problems with his peerless talent.

Who to Watch For
AMC Simplice Milambo (£105K), 16, France, 1.5/5.0
DC Michal Mazur (£350K), 15, Germany, 1.5/4.5
ST Kenny Gerber (£210K), 16, Germany, 1.5/4.5

[Grover]

August 2017
August 1
New Sponsor Deal
The club have announced a new sponsorship worth £375K for 3 years.

Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated and the increase in club stature. They are disappointed with the departure of Dominik Kaiser.

August 4
Politevich Ill
Sergey Politevich will be out for around two weeks while he recovers from a nasty illness. We've sent him home for bed rest to minimize risk of infecting the rest of the squad.

August 6
DFB Pokal First Round
Running of Die Bullen
Ingelheim 1 – 6 RB Leipzig
Goals: Ingelheim: Neitzert (47) Leipzig: Joãozinho (pen 22, 28, 51), Berger (43), Cikotic (85), Andersen (88)
Shots/On Target: Ingelheim 1/1, Leipzig 26/10
Possession: Leipzig 67/33
Cautions: Ingelheim: Malura (21), Gronostay (66) Leipzig: Berger (9), Rodríguez (39)
Player of the Match: AML Joãozinho 9.6

Form: Baumann 7.3, Aurier 8.8, Klein 8.6, Heintz 8.1, Rodríguez 8.3, Oyenard 8.0, Galetto 8.0, Berger (sub 56) 7.9, Andersen 9.3, Joãozinho (sub 56) 9.6, Cikotic 9.3, Halilovic (on 56) 7.4, Atsu (on 56) 6.7

Anything less than this would have been a sheer disappointment, let's be honest. Assists from Aurier, Klein, Andersen, Cikotic and Halilovic (2). Easy win over the minnows. Can we play like this against the sharks or even the mighty trout?

We've been given £90.28K for the win.

August 12
DFB Pokal Draw
We will face 2.Bundesliga side Wehen on Spetember 27 in the DFB Pokal second round. Wehen has been drawn as the home side.

Bundesliga Match Day #1
Die Bullen Ease to Win in Opener
RB Leipzig 3 – 0 Hannover
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (17), Andersen (23), Rodríguez (64)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 15/6, Hannover 8/3
Possession: Hannover 51/49
Cautions: Hannover: Gaztanaga (23)
Player of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen 8.4

Form: Baumann 7.0, Aurier (sub 76) 7.5, Klein 7.3, Heintz 7.4, Rodríguez 8.3, Oyenard 6.9, Galetto 7.0, Poulsen 8.4, Andersen (sub 76) 7.4, Joãozinho 7.1, Clemens (sub 63) 6.8, Nestor (on 76) –, Halilovic (on 76) –, Cikotic (on 63) 6.7

A very nice victory to open the season for the home support. Andersen had a wonderful free kick from the top of the box go in, while Rodríguez had the goal of the match with a phenomenal left-footed effort that found the top right of goal. Hannover controlled the second half, but they couldn't break us down to find a way back into it.

August 13
Ticket Sales
The club has announced it has sold 7,278 season tickets for this campaign, up from 5,851 last season.

August 15
Weekly Awards
Werder Bremen ST Nils Petersen has been named Bundesliga Player of the Week.

The Team of the Week is: GK Benaglio (WLF), Rodríguez (RBL), Tah (LEV), Süle (WLF), Thiago (BAY), Tryball (BRE), Marin (STG), Acquah (BRE), Yildrim (BRE), Petersen (BRE).

August 16
Politevich Back
DC/M Sergey Politevich is back after being struck down by a virus.

August 19
Bundesliga Match Day #2
Die Bullen Labor to Routine Win
Braunschweig 0 – 2 RB Leipzig
Goals: Leipzig: Clemens (33), Atsu (81)
Shots/On Target: Brauns 14/7, Leipzig 9/6
Possession: Brauns 51/49
Cautions: Brauns: Vandam (90+3) Leipzig: Klein (26)
Player of the Match: AMC Lucas Andersen 8.1

Form: Baumann 6.5, Aurier 6.8, Klein 7.3, Heintz 7.3, Rodríguez 7.2, Oyenard (sub 64) 6.6, Galetto 7.7, Clemens 7.3, Andersen 8.1, Joãozinho (sub 64) 6.9, Poulsen (sub 53) 6.5, Politevich (on 64) 6.7, Atsu (on 64) 7.2, Cikotic (on 53) 6.3

It was a tough win, but we eked it out with Atsu's goal securing it. Andersen was the creator today, doing exactly what we need him to do. Unfortunately we got poor play from both forwards. Despite making seven saves, Baumann struggled with the shots he faced. A good back four helped him out considerably. We need to play better against teams like this.

August 22
Weekly Awards
Leverkusen ST André Schürrle has won the Player of the Week Award

The Team of the Week is: Kraft (HRT), Thesker (LEV), Boyata (STU), Okore (LEV), Colin (HRT), Matos (AUG), Geis (LEV), Schürrle (LEV), Andersen (RBL), Klaus (LEV), Milik (LEV)

August 26
Bundesliga Match Day #3
Clemens Pushes Leipzig Forward
RB Leipzig 2 – 1 Gladbach
Goals: Leipzig: Clemens (38), Cikotic (77) Gladbach: Ginczek (28)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 15/8, Gladbach 7/4
Possession: Leipzig 52/48
Cautions: Leipzig: Rodríguez (45+2)
Player of the Match: AMR Christian Clemens 8.1

Form: Baumann 6.8, Aurier 7.4, Klein 7.1, Heintz 6.7, Rodríguez (sub 78) 6.7, Oyenard 6.8, Galetto 6.8, Clemens 8.1, Andersen (sub 52) 6.4, Joãozinho 7.0, Cikotic 7.1, Halilovic (on 52) 6.6, van Aanholt (on 52) –

A better win than the clean sheet over Braunschweig. We had to come from behind, Clemens started the scoring and assisted Cikotic's game winner. The Croatian will start the next match after his performance, Halilovic will start at AMC. If a player in my forward line is under 6.7 as a starter, I'm replacing him for the next match. Simple as that.

August 30
Champions League News
The club have been awarded £7.26M for playing in the Champions League group stages.

August 31
Aké Signs
DM/C Nathan Aké, 22, Netherlands 2/3.5
We sign the Chelsea product for £750K and as you'll see below he's worth much more than that. He'll provide cover at DM and DC, much like Politevich has done. We think he can help fill a gap for now.



Champions League Draw
We have been drawn as the three seed in Group D, along with Arsenal (ENG), Rubin (RUS) and Ajax (NED).

Top Players
1. AML Joãozinho: 4 apps, 3 goals, 1 assist, 1 PoM, 7.65
2. DR Serge Aurier: 4 apps, 1 assist, 7.63
3. AMC Lucas Andersen: 5 apps, 2 goals, 2 assists, 1 PoM, 7.58

[Grover]

September 2017
September 1
New Deal
The club have announced a new 5-year sponsorship deal worth £375K.

Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the leadership qualities. The atmosphere around the locker room has been a highlight.

September 2
Bundesliga Match Day #4
Halilovic Strikes on Full Debut, Jo Paces Attack
(16) Hoffenheim 0 – 2 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Leipzig: Heintz (54), Halilovic (86)
Shots/On Target: Hoffe 12/7, Leipzig 32/9
Possession: 50/50
Cautions: Leipzig: Galetto (85), Oyenard (88)
Player of the Match: AML Joãozinho 9.0

Form: Baumann 6.8, Aurier 7.4, Klein 7.2, Heintz 8.4, Rodríguez 7.2, Oyenard 6.5, Galetto 7.0, Clemens 6.9, Halilovic 7.6, Joãozinho 9.0, Cikotic 6.3

We made good use of our possession, though I'm not sure how taking 32 shots with only 9 hitting the target is a good thing. It's another solid win, Cikotic struggled badly in this one. He will need some time to adjust and sync in with the club. He'll get his chance as a rotation starts to form with European play.

September 5
Weekly Awards
AML Joãozinho has been named Player of the Week.

The Team of the Week is: ter Stegen (GLD), Contento (GLD), Boyata (GLD), Heintz (RBL), Jung (LEV), Mulumba (GLD), Kiyotake (GLD), Joãozinho (RBL), Halilovic (RBL), Klaus (LEV), Ginczek (GLD)

September 16
Bundesliga Match Day #5
Andersen Leads Die Bullen Past Schalke
(1) RB Leipzig 1 – 0 Schalke (14)
Goals: Leipzig: Cikotic (30)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 6/2, Schalke 12/6
Possession: Schalke 52/48
Cautions: Leipzig: Oyenard (70), Aurier (72)
Player of the Match: AMC Lucas Andersen 7.3

Form: Baumann 6.8, Aurier 7.1, Klein 7.3, Heintz 6.9, Rodríiguez 6.9, Oyenard 6.8, Galetto 6.8, Clemens 6.7, Andersen 7.3, Joãozinho 6.3, Poulsen (inj 13) –, Cikotic (on 13) 7.0

We also seem to struggle against Schalke and today was no different. However, Cikotic's fine strike a half-hour in was all we needed to take three points today. We're off to a perfect start with just a single goal allowed. We look okay for the most part, still some cogs trying to fit into the team correctly.

Poulsen Injury
ST Yussuf Poulsen's injury on 13 minutes was a stubbed toe and will see the player miss 5-8 days.

September 19
Weekly Awards
Hertha BSC AMC Anthony Knockaert was named Player of the Week.

The Team of the Week is: Trapp (FRA), Plattenhardt (HRT), Langkamp (HRT), Hummels (DOR), Colin (HRT), Holtby (DOR), Knockaert (HRT), Inui (FRA), Kiyotake (GLD), Marin (GLA), Privat (HSV)

Champions League Group D Match Day #1
Cikotic Display Leaves Supporters Breathless
RB Leipzig 3 – 0 Ajax
Goals: Leipzig: Cikotic (66, 78), Atsu (87)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 21/10, Ajax 13/7
Possession: Leipzig 54/46
Cautions: Ajax: Leerdam (45+1)
Player of the Match: ST Filip Cikotic 9.3

Form: Baumann 7.1, Nestor 7.7, Klein 7.7, Heintz 7.7, van Aanholt 7.6, Politevich 7.1, Oyenard (sub 81) 6.9, Halilovic 7.0, Joãozinho (sub 68) 6.8, Cikotic 9.3, Berger (sub 58) 6.5, Aké (on 81) –, Atsu (on 68) 7.3, Keane (on 68) 6.7

Oh my, the young Croatian put in a performance to be remembered today. Two fantastic goals and an absolutely superb flick-on assist for Atsu's goal capped off a wonderful day for the striker. We never once looked in trouble against a hapless Ajax side was Cikotic put them to the sword. Steffen Berger had a number of chances that he squandered, but he's still just 17 and the 4* prospect has been attracting big interest from Dortmund. He'll continue to get some work to see if he's cut out to play for us.

The club has received £845K for the victory.

September 24
Bundesliga Match Day #6
Cikotic Brace Continues Fantastic Run
(13) Frankfurt 0 – 2 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Leipzig: Cikotic (30, 55)
Shots/On Target: Frankfurt 6/2, Leipzig 21/8
Possession: Leipzig 51/49
Cautions: Frankfurt: Kempf (86) Leipzig: Halilovic (14)
Player of the Match: ST Filip Cikotic 8.8

Form: Baumann 6.7, Aurier 7.3, Klein 6.9, Heintz 7.4, Rodríguez 7.5, Oyenard 6.9, Galetto 6.8, Clemens 7.5, Halilovic 6.7, Joãozinho 6.4, Cikotic 8.8

Another excellent win. Cikotic is continuing to find a level of comfort with the first team and four goals in his last two is an excellent return. Clemens provided both assists from the right, while Jo and Halilovic struggled to create on the left and center. The fullbacks have been playing very well, another encouraging sign. We've started to assert ourselves in possession finally and are putting up an incredible amount of shots lately.

September 26
Weekly Awards
Dortmund AMR Marco Reus was named Player of the Week.

The Team of the Week is: Bürki (HAN), Wallace (LEV), Papadopoulos (HAN), Bassong (HAN), Haufe (HRT), Pizarro (LEV), Schweinsteiger (BAY), Götze (BAY), Kiyotake (GLD), Reus (DOR), Cikotic (RBL)

September 27
DFB Pokal Second Round
Bullish Second Half Condemns Wehen
Wehen 0 – 3 RB Leipzig
Goals: Leipzig: Andersen (61), Poulsen (70), Müller o.g. (78)
Shots/On Target: Wehen 10/2, Leipzig 17/8
Possession: Leipzig 51/49
Cautions: Leipzig: Nestor (56)
Player of the Match: DL Patrick van Aanholt 8.6

Form: Tix 7.6, Nestor 6.9, Politevich 8.0, Heintz 7.4, van Aanholt 8.6, Crimi 7.0, Aké 6.7, Poulsen 7.6, Andersen 8.0, Atsu 7.2, Berger (sub 70) 6.8, Keane (on 70) 6.7

Solid win, though we struggled mightily for an hour. I felt bad about taking Steffen Berger off as he provided a fantastic assist for Poulsen's goal when I had already made the decision to sub him out.

The club has been given £225K for the victory.

September 29
DFB Pokal News
RB Leipzig will travel to face Ingolstadt in the DFB Pokal third round. The match will be played on December 6.

September 30
Bundesliga Match Day #7
Bayern Stronger, But Andersen Heads Draw
(1) RB Leipzig 1 – 1 Bayern München (5)
Goals: Leipzig: Andersen (74) Bayern: Müller (58)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 9/3, Bayern 9/3
Possession: Bayern 52/48
Cautions: Leipzig: Galetto (33) Bayern: Pietrasiak (29)
Player of the Match: AMR Thomas Müller 7.3

Form: Baumann 6.6, Aurier 6.7, Klein 6.7, Heintz 7.3, Rodríguez (inj 73) 6.3, Oyenard 6.8, Galetto 6.6, Clemens 6.2, Halilovic (inj 48) 6.7, Joãozinho 6.5, Cikotic 6.6, van Aanholt (on 73) 6.8, Andersen (on 48) 7.2

A fairly even match and we both share the spoils. I'm concerned about the two injuries that could hurt us in the long-term. In the end, no complaints that we struggled a bit against Bayern, we took a point and move on, ending September with the only points we've dropped this term.

Injury News
DL Ricardo Rodríguez has suffered a torn calf muscle and will be out until after the winter break. The new signing will miss four months with the injury.

AMC Alen Halilovic will only miss a week after suffering from a gashed arm.

Top Players
1. AMC Lucas Andersen: 8 apps, 4 goals, 3 assists, 2 PoM, 7.55
2. DC Dominique Heintz: 11 apps, 1 goal, 7.44
3. ST Filip Cikotic: 10 apps, 7 goals, 3 assists, 2 PoM, 7.40