FM2014: Leipzig Gives You Wings

[Grover]

LEIPZIG GIVES YOU WINGS

Promotion has been the name of the game for RasenBallsport Leipzig since Red Bull purchased the license of fifth division side SSV Markandstädt. The energy drink makers have the bold and ambitious plan of being promoted to the Bundesliga by the 2018-19 season. The club won the fifth division in 2009/10 and won promotion to 3.Liga, Germany's third division just in time for this upcoming season.

Contract talks with manager Alexander Zorniger had fallen out and he has left RB Leipzig. Though the club is not afraid to spend money, estimating to put up to £90M into the club over a ten year span, they have gone with a pragmatic and shrewd financial option at manager.

Florek Tomczak, an unknown except to those who watched him play at Sparta Prague in the Czech Republic. The 35-year-old Polish born manager had a fairly good playing career, but was never capped internationally. He retired at 31 and has been working on his coaching badges. RB Leipzig President Florian Müller believes the young Polish manager has what it takes to get his club to the next level and beyond.

The young manager has a one year deal to prove himself to the Red Bull ownership. He has the modest goal of achieving a top-half finish in 3.Liga. The club is certainly on the rise with, Red Bull Stadium has a capacity of close to 45,000. Ownership has invested heavily in training facilities and a youth academy that far exceeds anybody else in 3.Liga save for Rostock.

The First Team
RB Leipzig is currently a bit light on the first team, with 18 players representing the club. One of the club's three foreign exceptions has been used.

GK: Eric Domaschke, Fabio Coltori
DEF: Christian Müller, Tobias Willers, Juri Judt, Anthony Jung, Tim Sebastian, Niklas Hoheneder, Fabian Franke
MID: Henrik Ernst, Dominik Kaiser, Bastian Schulz, Clemens Fandrich, Thiago Rockenbach, Alexander Laas, André Luge
ST: Yussuf Poulsen, Daniel Frahn

Yussuf Poulsen is a young man with potential. The 19-year-old Danish striker will be the focal point of attack, but we'll also look to utulise Brasilian Thiago Rockenbach either in the hole behind Poulsen our out on the left flank. There is certainly some promise and potential in this team, we just have to find the right way to unlock it.

Up and Coming
We've a few players to watch for in the second team and on the youth squad. They may certainly play a role this year.

Joshua Kimmich, DM: The 18-year-old German is currently with the second team, but he's rated at 4.5/5 potential. We may look to play a two DM set, which would give him a fantastic opportunity to see some valuable playing time.

Vincent Rabiega, AMR: Rabiega is an 18-year-old Polish right winger also rated at a 4.5/5 in the potential department. He doesn't have the speed, agility or acceleration we would look for in a typical winger, but he has some good mental attributes. He will definitely have to find a way to play to get some experience and development.

Dennis Thomalla, ST: The 20-year-old German will probably be immediately transported to the first team. He is the type of player that could dove-tail nicely with Poulsen, should we decide to go with a two-pronged attack at the top. Solid physical and technical attributes, he leaves a bit to be desired in teamwork and work rate, but this is the third division. He can overcome. He's our third 4.5/5 potential in the second team.

Nikolas Tix, GK: Our fourth 4.5/5 player is the 16-year-old goalkeeper who will be manning the sticks with the U19 team this season. If our upward curve is how we'd like it to be, he could be coming into his own as we're reaching the Bundesliga.

Hendrik Hölzel, ST: We may be deeper at the position than original thought. The 17-year-old Hölzel is our fifth 4.5/5 player and already has excellent pace. He still has a lot of development to go.

Tobias Haase, ST: Quite possibly my favorite player of the group, the 17-year-old has pace and flair in abundance, but his anticipation and concentration are absolutely dire.

Tactics: How We'll Line Up
We'll be working from two primary tactics. We don't quite have the depth in many positions to work on learning a third at the time being.

Our game-to-game tactic will primarily be a 4-2-4, also known by many of my friends as the “Grover Special.” We'll play with a flat back four with the two fullbacks playing as complete wingbacks in the attacking mould. Two defensive midfielders will sit in front of them. An anchor man to stymy the opposition and win the ball back, paired with a deep lying playmaker who can take possession and keep things ticking quickly upfield.

The front four will be an inside forward on the left wing and a basic out and out winger on the right. We'll pair two forwards up top, an attacking target man and a typical advanced forward role.

We'll be playing a quick, direct attacking football game. These are the lower leagues, we don't have the technical or mental attributes to play nice passing and possession game. Stature, time and promotion will allow us to acquire the players to eventually shift the project's footballing identity to something more pleasing.

Our second formation is nearly exactly the same. However, one of the forwards will drop back into the central attacking midfield as an engache.

Now, with the introduction of RasenBallsport Leipzig concluded, we can get to the meat of the game. Leipzig will give you wings.

[NoSkillz]

Cool - look forward to following!

[Young Drachma]

Nice

[Grover]

June-July 2013
Pre-Season Friendlies
Entracht Frankfurt 4 – 1 RB Leipzig
1.FC Köln 2 – 0 RB Leipzig
TSV Buchbach 2 – 2 RB Leipzig
Sparta Prague 4 – 3 RB Leipzig
SKU Amstetten 1 – 3 RB Leipzig

We scheduled a good number of road friendlies just to make some extra money.

Youth Trio Sign New Deals
Nikolas Tix, Tobias Haase and Hendrik Hölzel have all signed contracts with the club. Hölzel and Haase were attracting interest from Bundesliga clubs, we had to tie them down so they couldn't leave on frees for some small bit of compensation.

Delura Signs
We have signed 27-year-old German right winger Michael Delura. He will slot in as the starter on the right immediately. Very talented, but motivation may be an issue.

Bamabara Signs
Looking for a little bit of extra steel in the defensive midfield, we pick up DM and ball winning midfielder Moise Bambara out of Burkina Faso on a free transfer. He's got very good physicals and could become an imposing player.

Captains
ST Daniel Frahn will wear the armband this year. Timo Röttger will be his vice-captain.

3.Liga Match Day #1
Leipzig Hold Off Prokoph in Win
RB Leipzig 2 – 1 Osnabrück
Goals: Leipzig: Frahn (10), Delura (41) Osnabrück: Prokoph (29)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 19/4, Osnabrück 7/4
Possession: 54/46
Man of the Match: ST Roman Prokoph 8.3

Form: Coltorti 6.7, Müller 7.0, Sebastian 7.2, Willers 6.7, Judt 6.7, Kaiser 7.9, Bambara 6.9, Delura 7.6, Rockenbach 7.1, Poulsen 6.5

Season Tickets
The club have sold 3,000 season tickets this year.

3.Liga Match Day #2
Frahn Brace Leads Leipzig Past Halle
Hallescher 1 – 3 RB Leipzig
Goals: Halle: Furuholm (9) Leipzig: Frahn (15, 69), Bambara (610
Shots/On Target: Halle 7/4, Leipzig 13/8
Possession: Halle: 62/38
Man of the Match: ST Dennis Frahn 8.8

Form: Coltorti 6.6, Müller 6.7, Sebastian 6.7, Willers 7.7, Judt 8.5, Kaiser 7.2, Bambara 7.6, Delura 6.4, Rockenbach 8.3, Frahn 8.8, Poulsen 6.6


June/July Roundup
While not much can be learned about the team from just two matches. We've seen that our tactic is able to hold possession at home, but drops considerably on the road.

While virtually meaningless at the moment, we are tied atop the table with Burghausen and Chemnitz on 6 points.

Daniel Frahn leads the team with 3 goals, while Thiago Rockenbach leads with 3 assists.

Top Players -
1. Daniel Frahn: 2 appearances, 3 goals, 1 PoM, 7.95
2. Thiago Rockenbach: 2 appearances, 3 assists, 7.70
3. Juri JudtL 2 appearances, 1 assist, 7.60

August sees us move into full swing as the top leagues around Europe get underway, including the Bundesliga. The German Cup is our first match of August, a tough draw, we'll be hosting Stuttgart.

[Grover]

August 2013
German Cup First Round
Stuttgart Just Through In Entertaining Encounter
RB Leipzig 3 (0) – P (3) 3 VfB Stuttgart
Goals: Leipzig: Willers (18), Neidermayer o.g. (20), Frahn (73) Stuttgart: Sakai (30), Harnik (55, 78)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 13/8, Stuttgart 27/7
Possession: Stuttgart 64/36
Cautions: Leipzig: Sebastian (7)
Man of the Match: AMR Martin Harnik 9.0

Form: Coltorti 6.0, Müller 7.1, Sebastian 7.1, Willers 8.3, Judt 6.6, Kaiser (off 107) 6.9, Bombara (off 107) 6.9, Delura 8.2, Rockenbach 8.1, Frahn 7.1, Poulsen (off 58) 6.3, Kimmich (on 107) –, Thomalla (on 58) 6.3, Schulz (on 1.07) –

There is absolutely nothing disappointing about this shootout loss. Except maybe the shambolic penalty kicks we took with no power, guile, or thought. Still, it's an excellent showing against a Bundesliga side.

We've lost DC Tim Sebastian for 3-4 weeks with a twisted knee suffered early on in the match , but he played the entire 120 minutes.

3.Liga Match Day #3
Hoheneder Has a Debut to Remember
RB Leipzig 4 – 1 Saarbrücken
Goals: Leipzig: Bambara (36), Hoheneder (58, 90), Forkel o.g. (76) Saarbrücken: Kreuels (87)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 16/6, Saarbrücken 8/3
Possession: Saarbrücken 52%
Cautions: Leipzig: Bambara (53), Judt (70), Rockenbach (78) Saarbrücken: Eggert (45)
Man of the Match: DC Niklas Hoheneder 9.3

Form: Coltorti 6.8, Müller 6.9, Hoheneder 9.3, Willers 7.7, Judt 7.6, Kaiser 7.4, Bambara 8.1, Delura 6.9, Rockenbach 8.4, Frahn 7.0, Poulsen 6.9

3.Liga Match Day #4
Delura Does It All In Leipzig Win
Stuttgarter K. 2 - 4 RB Leipzig
Goals: Stuttgarter: Leutenecker (43, 78) Leipzig: Poulsen (5), Krauss o.g. (41), Frahn (57), Delura (82)
Shots/On Target: Stuttgarter 3/3, Leipzig 15/5
Possession: Stuttgarter 51/49
Cautions: Stuttgarter: Braun (35)
Man of the Match: MR Fabio Leutenecker 8.8

Form: Coltorti 6.7, Müller 7.1, Hoheneder 6.6, Willers (off 78) 6.3, Judr 7.0, Kaiser (off 78) 6.8, Bambara 7.6, Delura 8.2, Rockenbach (off 78) 6.5, Frahn 7.5, Poulsen 7.4, Ernst (on 78) –, Fandrich (on 78) –, Schulz (on 78) –

Poulsen finally gets off the duck with his first goal. He also becomes our youngest goalscorer at 19 years and 63 days. Remember, the club is only five years old. Frahn now has 5. Our second leading goalscorer is “Own Goal” with 3. Fantastic, right?

3.Liga Match Day #5
Fabulous Frahn Fires in Four
RB Leipzig 4 – 2 Holstein Kiel
Goals: Leipzig: Frahn (5, 37, 42, 70) Kiel: Siedschlag (pen 7, 75)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 13/7 Kiel 11/5
Possession: Kiel 60/40
Cautions: Leipzig: Judt (52) Kiel: Gerbers (80), Demir (88)
Man of the Match: ST Daniel Frahn 9.7

Form: Coltorti 6.6, Müller 6.8, Hoheneder 6.7, Willers 6.7, Judt (off 67) 6.5, Kaiser (off 67) 6.6, Bambara (off 67) 6.1, Delura 6.8, Rockenbach 6.7, Frahn 9.7, Poulsen 8.3, Ernst (on 67) 6.7, Jung (on 67) 6.5, Schulz (on 67) 6.7

Frahn now has 9 goals on the season. Yussuf Poulsen, his forward partner assisted on three of the four goals today. Christian Müller added the other assist.

Frahn's four goal game is a new record for the club, surpassing Nico Frommer's 3, achieved against Borea Dresden.

4.Liga Match Day #6
Frahn Brace Powers Leipzig
Rostock 2 – 3 RB Leipzig
Goals: Rostock: Savran (21), Ruprecht (51) Leipzig: Willers (20), Frahn (37, 85)
Shots/On Target: Rostock 10/5 Leipzig 20/11
Possession: Leipzig 52/48
Cautions: Rostock: Ruprecht (26, red 58), Radjabali-Fardi (red 53), Leipzig: Willers (87)
Man of the Match: ST Daniel Frahn 8.0

Form: Coltorti 6.7, Müller 6.8, Hoheneder (off 66) 6.3, Willers 7.4, Judt 7.3, Kaiser 7.1, Bambara (off 66) 6.6, Delura 6.1, Rockenbach 7.6, Frahn 8.0, Poulsen (off 66) 6.7, Sebastian (on 66) 6.7, Schulz (on 66) 6.7, Thomalla (on 66) 6.6

Daniel Frahn has reached double digits in goals. He is well on pace to break his own club record of 29 goals in 2011/12. Frahn did miss a 54th minute penalty attempt after Delura was pulled down by Pelzer.

It's a win in the possession column as well, though I'm not sure it counts for much against 9 men for most of the second half.

August Roundup
We're full steam ahead sitting atop the table with six wins from six matches with a very healthy 20 goals scored and 9 conceded. Chemnitz is on our tale with five from five, a three goal win would put them level with us on differential in their game in hand.

We are dominating the 3.Liga scoring charts. Frahn's 10 is double of Darmstadt's Stroh-Engel and Chemnitz;s Förster. Thiago Rockenbach is tied for the league lead in assists with 6 with Heidenheim's Sökler. Poulsen is in a tie for third with four assists.

Top Players -
1. ST Daniel Frahn: 7 apps, 11 goals, 1 assist, 3 PoM, 7.89
2. AML Thiago Rockenbach: 7 apps, 9 assists, 7.53
3. DC Tobias Willers: 7 apps, 2 goals, 3.33 tackles, 7.26

[Grover]

September 2013
Board Confidence
The board is pleased with our leadership. The fans are quite pleased with the signing of Moise Bambara, but they are concerned about Fabio Coltorti's recent goalkeeping performances.

3.Liga Match Day #7
Ten Man Leipzig Leap Dortmund Late
(20) Dortmund II 1 – 2 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Dortmund: Kefkir (9) Leipzig: Willers (20), Schulz (70)
Shots/On Target: Dortmund 12/6, Leipzig 8/5
Possession: Dortmund 59/41
Cautions: Leipzig: Judt (red 25)
Man of the Match: DC Tobias Willers 7.8

Form: Coltorti 6.5, Müller 6.7, Hoheneder 7.0, Willers 7.8, Poulsen (off 26) 6.6, Kaiser 7.0, Bambara 7.0, Delura (off 26) 6.6, Rockenbach 7.5, Frahn (off 63) 6.5, Judt (red 25) 6.6, Jung (on 26) 6.6, Schulz (on 26) 7.2, Thomalla (on 63) 6.6

Nothing quite like playing Dortmund's reserves with Sebastian Kehl, Sven Bender and Jakub Blaszczykowski

Seven from seven, thought it was questionable whether we'd be able to take three here. We do and our gap at the top has grown to five.

Juri Judt will be suspended for the next match.

Thiago Rockenbach has become a German citizen. He's no longer considered a foreign space on our roster. Great news.

3.Liga Match Day #8
Delura Keeps Bulls Charging
(1) RB Leipzig 2 – 0 Chemnitzer FC (2)
Goals: Leipzig: Delura (4, 77)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 12/3 Chemnitz 9/3
Possession: Chemnitz 56/44
Man of the Match: AMR Michael Dlura 8.8

Form: Coltorti 6.7, Müller 7.2, Sebastian 7.3, Willers 6.9, Jung 6.8, Schulz 7.2, Ernst 6.7, Delura 8.8, Rockenbach (off 65) 6.4, Frahn 7.4, Thomalla 6.8, Luge (on 65) 6.6

DL Juri Judt misses out through suspension. ST Yussuf Poulsen misses out through international duty.

Delura is fantastic in the match, dominating the right wing. Thomalla has a decent game in a start, he's struggled off the bench. Schulz was good in his first start as well. Eight from eight and we're now 8 points ahead of Chemnitz.

3.Liga Match Day #9
Frahn Leads Line as Leipzig Keeps Winning
(7) Münster 2 – 3 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Münster: Piossek (27, 42) Leipzig: Frahn (12, 17), Willers (33)
Shots/On Target: Münster 11/5, Leipzig 13/8
Possession: Münster 55/45
Cautions: Münster: Kühne (84) Leipzig: Willers (11)
Man of the Match: AMR Marcus Piossek 8.8

Form: Coltorti 6.6, Müller 6.9, Sebastian 6.6, Willers 7.4, Judt (off 45) 6.3, Kaiser 6.8, Bambara (off 66) 6.6, Delura (off 66) 6.3, Rockenbach 7.2, Frahn 8.8, Poulsen 7.2, Jung (on 45) 6.5, Fandrich (on 66) 6.6, Schulz (on 66) 6.6

Admittedly, our back four isn't very good. As long as we're scoring at a clip of three per game, we'll be fine. However, we all know that can't last forever. I'm also well aware that our position is lacking. We're not quite a counter-attacking side. We're playing a standard mentality, but we're playing directly and into open spaces. I just don't have the players to play a better way. Possession will improve in time. As long as we keep winning, I'm pleased.

Frahn now has 13 goals in 10 games.

3.Liga Match Day #10
Leipzig and Frahn Keep On Scoring
(1) RB Leipzig 4 – 1 SV Wehen Wiesbaden (20)
Goals: Leipzig: Delura (28), Frahn (54, 74), Rockenbach (66) Wehen: Weißmeier (85)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 19/8 Wehen 11/5
Possession: Wehen 54/46
Man of the Match: ST Mdaniel Frahn 8.8

Form: Coltorti 6.5, Müller 7.1, Sebastian 7.1, Willers 7.8, Judt 7.8, Kaiser 7.2, Bambara 7.1, Delura 8.0, Rockenbach 7.7, Frahn 8.8, Poulsen 8.3

Michael Delura has now scored 5 goals. Thiago Rockenbach added his first of the season. Meanwhile, Daniel Frahn is up to an incredible 15 goals at this stage. Poulsen added two assists in the match.

Another outstanding win and a bonus that we allow just the one goal.

Bad news as Michael Delura suffered a twisted ankle in training and will miss 5-6 weeks. In 11 apps he has 5 goals, 2 assists and a 7.26 average.

3.Liga Match Day #11
Unstoppable Leipzig Win 11th on The Trot
(16) Unterhaching 2 – 5 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Unter: Sebastian o.g. (63), Haberer (73) Leipzig: Poulsen (1), Poggenberg o.g. (17), Frahn (23, 85), Luge (82)
Shots/On Target: Unter 10/6, Leipzig 7/4
Possession: Unter 54/46
Man of the Match: ST Daniel Frahn 8.8

Form: Coltorti 7.0, Müller 6.6, Sebastian 7.1, Willers 7.0, Judt (off 64) 6.3, Kaiser 7.3, Bambara 7.1, Schulz 7.9, Rockenbach (off 64) 6.6, Frahn 8.8, Poulsen 8.3, Jung (on 64) 6.6, Luge (on 64) 7.2

Poulsen's opener took an eternal 16 seconds from the opening whistle to get into the back of goal.

Yes, we scored 5 goals with 4 shots on target thanks to the own goal. Fantastic shooting boys!

September Roundup
11-0-0. 36 goals for, 15 against. Wow. I'm feeling pretty comfortable as manager of RB Leipzig at this stage. While the defense is still a small concern, as I've said earlier, it won't matter if we keep scoring at this rate.

Top Players -
1. ST Daniel Frahn: 12 apps, 17 goals, 3 assists, 5 PoM, 7.96
2. AML Thiago Rockenbach: 12 apps, 1 goal, 11 assists, 7.34
3. DC Tobias Willers: 12 apps, 4 goals, 2.62 tackles, 7.31

[Grover]

October 2013
Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the leadership qualities I'm demonstrating. Mostly because we're kicking all sorts of ass in the the league.

More training injuries as Thiago Rockenbach is set to miss 3-4 weeks with a chest injury sustained while he lifted weights. Expect to see more Luge moving forward in the month of October.

3.Liga Match Day #12
Darmstadt First to Take Points From Leipzig
(1) RB Leipzig 1 – 1 Darmstadt (11)
Goals: Leipzig: Schulz (10) Darmstadt: Schmidt (36)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 7/2, Darmstadt 12/4
Possession: Leipzig 5149
Cautions: Leipzig: Müller (76) Darmstadt: Berzel (72)
Man of the Match: ST Philipp Max 7.7

Form: Coltorti 6.5, Müller 6.7, Sebastian 6.7, Willers 6.6, Judt 6.9, Kaiser 6.9, Bambara 6.8, Schulz 7.4, Fandrich (off 64) 6.3, Frahn 7.1, Poulsen (off 64) 6.3, Luge (on 64) 6.6, Thomalla (on 64) 6.6

Well, the perfect string of wins had to end sometime. We're still undefeated however.

3.Liga Match Day #13
Three Goals in Four Minutes Spark Leipzig Comeback
(1) RB Leipzig 4 – 2 Stuttgart II (20)
Goals: Leipzig: Frahn (7), Luge (66), Willers (69), Schulz (70) Stuttgart: Cacau (6), Riemann (32)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 20/7 Stuttgart 9/5
Possession: 50/50
Man of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen 8.0

Form: Coltorti 6.7, Müller 6.9, Sebastian 6.6, Willers 7.5, Judt 7.0, Kaiser 7.0, Bambara 6.8, Schulz 7.5, Luge 7.8, Frahn 7.1, Poulsen 8.0

Poulsen had just one assist in his Man of the Match performance. AML André Luge had 1 goal (his second) and one assist.

Teams like Dortmund II, Stuttgart II and Bayern II, while sitting near the bottom of the table will always be a potentially rough match. If they're ever sending a star down for match time to gain fitness before returning the first team it can be an extremely challenging situation. We've coped well with both challenges thus far.

We've been riddled with a pair of injuries. DL Juri Judt (13 apps, 7.01) has suffered a pulled hamstring and is likely to miss 4-5 weeks.

DR Christian Müller (14 apps, 6.89) has suffered a gashed leg following a collision and will miss 2-3 weeks.

Judt may be out until December, but Müller should be back by mid-November.

3.Liga Match Day #14
Frahn Helps Leipzig Slip Past Elversberg
(19) Elversberg 1 – 2 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Elvers: Zimmermann (34) Leipzig: Laas (22), Frahn (51)
Shots/On Target: Elvers 12/3, Leipzig 17/8
Possession: Elvers 51/49
Cautions: Elvers: Wenzel (60)
Man of the Match: AMR Clemens Fandrich 8.5

Form: Coltorti 6.7, Sebastian 6.8, Willers 6.9, Hoheneder 6.8, Jung 7.0, Kaiser (off 65) 6.8, Ernst 6.7, Fandrich 8.5, Laas 7.2, Frahn 7.4, Thomalla (off 65) 6.3, Schulz (on 65) 6.6, Morys (on 65) 6.6

Alexander Laas scores his first goal in his first apperance this year. Rockenbach has returned to training, so we should be back to normal on the left shortly.

3.Liga Match Day #15
Leipzig Take the Spoils in Top Two Shootout
(2) Regensburg 3 – 4 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Regensburg: Schmid (47, 63), Kotzke (pen 90+1) Leipzig: Poulsen (1, 39), Frahn (11), Rockenbach (60)
Shots/On Target: Regensburg 17/12, Leipzig 12/9
Possession: Regensburg 56%
Cautions: Leipzig: Sebastian (80)
Man of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen 8.8

Form: Coltorti 6.2, Bambara 6.0, Sebastian 6.6, Willers 6.9, Jung 5.2, Kaiser 6.8, Schulz 6.9, Delura 6.7, Rockenbach 8.4, Frahn 7.1, Poulsen 8.8

Daniel Frahn has reached 20 goals. Rockenbach added two assists, giving him 13 this year. Bambara had an awful game, but he was out of position at right back.

October Roundup
We maintain our grip at the top of the table as we sit with 14 wins, 1 draw and 0 losses. We are first in goals scored with 47, and while I bellyache about our defense we are 8th in least goals conceded with 22.

We now sit 13 points ahead of Regensburg with our last win and 16 over Halle and Stuttgarter K.

Top Players -
1. ST Daniel Frahn: 16 apps, 20 goals, 4 assists, 5 PoM, 7.76
2. AML Thiago Rockenbach: 13 apps, 2 goals, 13 assists, 7.42
3. ST Yussuf Poulsen: 13 apps, 4 goals, 11 assists, 7.30

Poulsen has come on strong, he's starting to find a bit of that goal scorer's touch and he is improving with each and every game under his belt.

Some other notable stats: DC Tobias Willers and AMR Michael Delura each have 5 goals. Willers and Frahn are the only two outfield players on the team to start all 16 matches between the 3.Liga and the German Cup.

Fabio Coltorti has been terrible with a 6.59 rating from the goalkeeping position. There are a few teams monitoring him across Europe. I'd be willing to offload him for a minimal price.

[Grover]

November 2013
Board Confidence
Nothing new to report. The board is delighted, the fans are delighted. We're all just tickled pink here in scenic Leipzig.

3.Liga Match Day #16
Poulsen Goal Seals the Points
(1) RB Leipzig 2 – 1 Heidenheim (11)
Goals: Leipzig: Frahn (23), Poulsen (42) Heidenheim: Niederlechner (36)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 15/7, Heidenheim 12/4
Possession: 50/50
Cautions: Leipzig: Bambara (22), Schulz (69) Heidenheim: Wittek (5), Krebs (86)
Man of the Match: DR Moise Bambara 7.3

Form: Coltorti 6.6, Bambara 7.3, Sebastian 7.2, Jung 7.1, Kaiser 6.8, Schulz 7.2, Delura (off 69) 6.7, Rockenbach (off 69), Frahn 7.0, Poulsen 7.2, Luge (off 69) 6.6, Fandrich (off 69) 6.6

Daniel Frahn had a penalty shot saved in the 4th minute. Yussuf Poulsen is up to five goals on the year.

3.Liga Match Day #17
Leaders Leipzig Pull Away in Second Half
(6) Burghausen 2 – 4 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Burghausen: Burkhart (pen 14), Bencik (40) Leipzig: Frahn (3), Poulsen (18, 51), Delura (75)
Shots/On Target: Burghausen 11/6, Leipzig 22/10
Possession: Burghausen 55/45
Cautions: Burghausen: Schröck (76) Leipzig: Sebastian (30), Bambara (64)
Man of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen 9.2

Form: Coltorti 6.6, Bambara 6.9, Sebastian 6.5, Willers 7.1, Jung 6.5, Kaiser (off 64) 6.3, Schulz 7.0, Delura 8.4, Rockenbach (off 64) 6.7, Frahn (off 70) 8.3, Poulsen 9.2, Luge (on 64) 6.7, Thomalla (on 70) 6.8, Ernst (on 64) 6.6

Poulsen is really, really finding his form. Two goals (7) and an assist. Frahn scored his 22nd, Rockenbach added yet another assist and Denis Thomalla gets an assist, his first bit of vision on a goal this season.

I was rather worried about Frahn. He suffered a knock, which is why Thomalla came on. No news post-game, no news is good news on this one. However, our backup left back, Anthony Young (9 apps, 6.53) has pulled a hamstring and much like the very same injury Juri Judt had, will miss 4-5 weeks. We're really needing a hand in the position now.

Luckily our next match with Erfurt is two weeks away. Judt is actually expected to return any day now, so there's a bit of good to balance that bad.

The last third of November as we were hoping to have Christian Müller back, but he's had a setback by sustaining a bruised thigh in his return to practice.

3.Liga Match Day #18
Sebastian Scores Own Goal, Comes Back With Winner
(1) RB Leipzig 3 – 1 Erfurt (13)
Goals: RB Leipzig: Kaiser (33), Sebastian (50), Delura (84) Erfurt: Sebastian (o.g. 17)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 9/4, Erfurt 13/3
Possession: Erfurt 51/49
Cautions: Leipzig: Sebastian (76) Erfurt: Pfingsten-Reddig (18)
Man of the Match: DM Dominik Kaiser 8.9

Form: Coltorti 6.7, Bambara 7.0, Sebastian 7.6, Willers 7.5, Judt 6.5, Kaiser 8.9, Schulz 6.8, Delura 7.4, Rockenbach 6.5, Frahn 6.7, Poulsen 6.5

A game where the forwards struggled, Dominik Kaiser has his breakthrough performance of the season. His first goal and first pair of assists really pace the way for us to take three points here. Sebastian redeems himself fantastically from his opening own goal by smashing home the eventual winner just after the half.

DL Juri Judt (14 apps, 6.97) has suffered another hamstring injury and will miss another 4-5 weeks. Perhaps he was rushed back. We'll have to look for something better here. Anthony Jung is not the answer in Judt's absence.

Tomczak Renews
On November 26, 2013, Leipzig Director of Football approaches me with a new two-year contract offer. I happily sign the deal. We're going to the top together.

November Roundup
We're one day shy of playing our 19th league game of the season. The halfway point. At 17 wins, 1 draw and 0 losses we have a commanding 18 point lead over Chemnitz, 21 over Regensburg in third. We have scored 56 goals and surrendered 26.

We are now fourth in goals conceded. Three behind Regensburg. Coltorti is still terrible though. There's no way around that.

Top Players -
1. ST Daniel Frahn: 19 apps, 22 goals, 5 assists, 5 PoM, 7.69
2. ST Yussuf Poulsen: 17 apps, 7 goals, 12 assists, 3 PoM, 7.36
3. AML Thiago Rockenbach: 16 apps, 2 goals, 15 assists, 7.28

[Grover]

December 2013
Board Confidence
We're all thrilled to be here, really.

3.Liga Match Day #19
Leipzig Finish First Half of Season on 18 Wins
(9) Duisburg 1 – 4 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Duisburg: Röser (76) Leipzig: Willers (14), Poulsen (61), Frahn (69), Rockenbach (90+2)
Shots/On Target: Duisburg 15/6 Leipzig 15/10
Possession: Leipzig 51/49
Cautions: Duisburg: Güll (87)
Man of the Match: AMR Michael Delura 9.0

Form: Coltorti 7.3, Bambara 7.7, Willers 8.6, Sebastian 8.0, Franke 7.1, Kaiser 7.9, Schulz 7.2, Delura 9.0, Rockenbach 8.4, Frahn 7.5, Poulsen 7.5

Plucky DC Tobias Willers now has 6 goals from the back. He's impressive on set pieces … Daniel Frahn missed his third penalty attempt of the year. Coltorti put up his best rating this year … Franke, who has been at me for a move out has gotten the chance at left back and played fairly well … On the other side, Bambara has really grown into the right back role, though I'd rather have Müller back there. Bambara is much better suited at DM.

We are on pace for 120 goals. I doubt we keep that pace, but we should certainly eclipse 100.

I've convinced the board to improve both the youth facilities and training grounds for the club.

Anthony Jung has returned from his pulled hamstring.

3.Liga Match Day #20
Frahn's Goal The Difference
(7) Osnabrück 1 – 2 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Osnabrück: Spann (72) Leipzig: Delura (17), Frahn (42)
Shots/On Target: Osnabrück 9/3, Leipzig 10/5
Possession: Osnabrück 53/47
Cautions: Osnabrück: Stadel (74)
Man of the Match: AMR Michael Delura 7.6

Form: Coltorti 6.7, Müller 7.1, Sebastian 6.6, Willers 6.8, Jung 6.7, Kaiser (off 85) 7.0, Bambara 6.9, Delura 7.6, Rockenbach (off 85) 6.4, Frahn 7.0, Poulsen (off 85) 6.6, Luge (on 85) –, Schulz (on 85) –, Thomalla (on 85) –

It was good to see Christian Müller returning at right back and he performed fairly well. Bambara must be happy / relieved to be back at DM. We seemed a bit flat offensively and conceded a fair bit of territory and possession in the second half. However, we eked it out and keep on rolling. 18-1-0.

We won our first encounter with Osnabrück 2-1 as well.

Daniel Frahn's 23rd league goal of the season on December 14, 2013 has broken Régis Dorn's 3.Liga record of 22 set in 2009.

3.Liga Match Day #21
Wunderbar! Frahn's Second Four Goal Game!
(1) RB Leipzig 4 – 1 FC Hallescherer (4)
Goals: Leipzig: Frahn (7, 42, 51, 62) Halle: Bertram (49)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 13/7, Halle 19/5
Possession: Halle 59/41
Cautions: Leipzig: Bambara (68) Halle: Lachheb (34)
Man of the Match: ST Daniel Frahn 9.8

Form: Coltorti 6.7, Müller 7.2, Sebastian 8.1, Willers 7.6, Jung 6.9, Kaiser 7.3, Bambara (off 77) 7.1, Delura 7.1, Rockenbach (off 45) 6.5, Frahn 9.8, Poulsen (off 31) 6.6, Luge (on 45) 6.3, Schulz (on 77) –, Thomalla (on 31) 6.5

Daniel Frahn has now scored 28 goals in 22 matches.

To be fair we were dominated for most of this match. Sebastian lumped two fantastic balls forward that Frahn latched onto. He is the league's premier target man and is seemingly unstoppable. Every goal he scores furthers his record.

Yussuf Poulsen (20 apps, 8 goals, 13 assists, 7.26) was injured and had to subbed out just a half-hour into the match. He twisted his ankle and will be out 5-6 weeks. A big blow, but a massive chance for Denis Thomalla.

December Roundup
It's a short month as we head into the winter break. January will start with a friendly or two before we get back into the league session.

I'll leave this post with a few images of the league and team to date.

[Grover]

January 2014
We start off the month with a number of potential moves and injury news.

DC Tim Sebastian (18 apps, 7.03) has a sports hernia and will miss 6-7 weeks.

Italian club Lecce have agreed to sign GK Fabio Coltorti on a free transfer. He'll join them in July. We'll be looking for a new keeper in the summer.

U19 ST Tobias Haase has joined BFC Dynamo on loan until the end of the season.

U19 ST Hendrik Hölzel is a loan target for a couple of clubs. He hasn't played a single minute with Haase being so good for the U19s. He has also joined BFC Dynamo.

AMR Timo Röttger has joined Fortuna Köln on loan.

Winter Friendlies
Plauen 0 - 1 RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig 0 – 1 River Plate

3.Liga Match Day #22
Welcome Back: Leipzig Return to Winning Ways
(16) Saarbrücken 1 – 2 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Saar: Glockner (60) Leipzig: Bambara (68), Ernst (81)
Shots/On Target: Saar 13/3, Leipzig 9/3
Possession: Saar 56/44
Man of the Match: AMR Raffael Korte 8.1

Form: Coltorti 6.7, Müller 7.0, Willers 6.4, Ernst 7.4, Kaiser 7.2, Bambara 8.0, Delura 6.8, Rockenbach 8.0, Frahn 6.8, Poulsen 6.3

Well, the forwards didn't do much, but Rockenbach provided two fantastic assists, one from a free kick for Ernst to rise above the defenders to head home. We come back from the winter break with a very good comeback win.

January Roundup
Apparently next year I will combine December and January into one post. Not much happened here at all, one league match after coming back. Our next is on the first of February, so that's that.

We're 21-1-0, 68 goals for, 30 against. Chemnitz remains second, 20 points behind. Regensburg and Burghausen are locked in a battle for third, 26 points back.

Top Players -
1. ST Daniel Frahn: 23 apps, 28 goals, 6 assists, 6 PoM, 7.71
2. AMR Michael Delura: 19 apps, 8 goals, 8 assists, 3 PoM, 7.35
3. AML Thiago Rockenbach: 20 apps, 3 goals, 18 assists, 7.29

[Grover]

February 2014
Board Confidence
Feelin' fine.

3.Liga Match Day #23
Poulsen Brace Leads Leipzig
(1) RB Leipzig – Stuttgarter K. (6)
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (60, 87) Stuttgarter: Jung (o.g. 90+2)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 11/5, Stuttgarter 12/5
Possession: Stuttgarter 52/48
Cautions: Leipzig: Bambara (41), Judt (61)
Man of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen, 8.8

Form: Coltorti 6.7, Müller 6.7, Jung 6.7, Judt 7.4, Kaiser 6.9, Bambara 7.2, Delura 6.8, Rockenbach 6.7, Frahn 6.9, Poulsen 8.8

Poulsen is now up to 10 goals and 12 assists on the season. He started slow, but once he found his footing it's been easy sledding since. Jung's own goal sums up what he's been for the team this year: not much.

Moise Bambara picked up his 5th yellow card of the season. He'll be suspended for our next match.

3.Liga Match Day #24
Leipzig Run Rampant
(10) Kiel 2 – 5 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Kiel: Heider (7), Gärtner (59) Leipzig: Frahn (9, 37), Delura (21), Rockenbach (44), Poulsen (62)
Shots/On Target: Kiel 16/6, Leipzig 12/7
Possession: Kiel 63/37
Cautions: Leipzig: Jung (10)
Man of the Match: ST Marc Heider 9.0

Form: Coltorti 6.8, Müller 7.3, Willers 8.2, Ernst (off 62) 6.7, Jung (off 62) 6.7, Kaiser 7.5, Schulz 7.5, Delura 8.8, Rockenbach 7.5, Frahn 8.8, Poulsen (off 62) 8.1, Hoheneder (on 62) 6.6, Judt (on 62) 6.5, Thomalla (on 62) 6.5

Daniel Frahn has now beaten his club record of 29 goals. His 37th minute strike was his 30th of the season.

3.Liga Match Day #25
Delura and Poulsen Roast Rostock
(1) RB Leipzig 4 – 0 Rostock (11)
Goals: Leipzig: Delura (5, 70), Ernst (59), Poulsen (84)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 23/5, Rostock 19/6
Possession: Rostock 53/47
Man of the Match: AMR Michael Delura 9.4

Form: Coltorti 6.8, Müller 7.7, Willers 8.4, Ernst 8.4, Judt 7.9, Kaiser (off 77) 7.2, Bambara 7.5, Delura 9.4, Rockenbach (off 77) 6.5, Frahn 7.5, Poulsen 9.3, Schulz (on 77) –, Luge (on 77) 6.8

Amazing that we can continue to put up these scoring numbers while losing the possession battle match after match.

Poulsen was brilliant with 1 goal and 2 assists, Delura with his pair of goals. They really made it happen for us today.

3.Liga Match Day #26
Super Sub Luge Braces for Victory
(1) RB Leipzig 3 – 1 Dortmund II (18)
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (15), Luge (68, 87) Dort II: Derstroff (62)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 12/3 Dort II 4/2
Possession: Dort II 56/44
Cautions: Leipzig: Judt (40, red 88)
Man of the Match: AML André Luge 8.6

Form: Coltorti 6.8, Müller 6.8, Willers 6.9, Ernst 6.5, Judt (off 88) 7.5, Kaiser (off 58) 6.6, Bambara 7.2, Delura (off 58) 6.5, Rockenbach (off 58) 6.7, Frahn 7.4, Poulsen 7.0, Fandrich (on 58) 6.8, Schulz (on 58) 6.6, Luge (on 58) 8.6

Starting to notice a shift among who the more dominant forward is for the tea. Poulsen seems to be improving by leaps and bounds month to month and is becoming a better overall player than Frahn. His pace allows him to get into positions and make runs that the much slower Frahn is unable to do. They have a very good synergy with one another because of the advanced forward / target man roles.

Luge comes on for about 30 minutes and tears it up. Immediately pegging back Dortmund's goal and scoring a second three minutes from time. Frahn provided assists on the first and third goals, Fandrich got one on the second.

Judt getting sent off for a second yellow so late was annoying. He has been suspended for one match.

After just 26 matches we have set the 3.Liga record for goals in a season with 82. Braunschweiger TSV Eintracht held the previous record with 81. We're going to smash that record with another 12 games to go.

3.Liga Match Day #27
Leipzig Increase Gap at the Top
(2) Chemnitz 0 – 2 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Leipzig: Frahn (1), Poulsen (21)
Shots/On Target: Chemnitz 5/2 Leipzig 14/5
Possession: Leipzig 51/49
Cautions: Chemnitz: Birk (81)
Man of the Match: DL Anthony Jung 7.4

Form: Coltorti 6.6, Bambara 7.1, Willers 7.2, Ernst 7.9, Jung 7.4, Kaiser 7.1, Müller (off 69) 7.1, Delura 7.8, Rockenbach (off 69) 6.7, Frahn 7.3, Poulsen 7.2, Luge (on 69) 6.6, Schulz (on 69) 6.7

Another solid performance from the forwards. Delura and Müller both suffered injuries. We now move 29 points clear at the top.

DR Christian Müller (22 apps, 6.96) will miss 3-4 weeks after twisting his knee. That puts his return back for the end of March.

AMR Michael Delura (24 apps, 7.41) will miss 5-6 weeks with a turned ankle.

February Roundup
We sit on 79 points out of a possible 81. 26 wins, 1 draw. 84 goals, 34 against. Our goal differential is equal to the number of points Chemnitz have in second place. This might be my best ever FM season.

Top Players -
1. ST Daniel Frahn: 28 apps, 31 goals, 9 assists, 6 PoM, 7.69
2. AMR Michael Delura: 24 apps, 11 goals, 9 assists, 4 PoM, 7.41
3. ST Yussuf Poulsen: 26 apps, 14 goals, 15 assists, 7.40

[Grover]

March 2014
Board Confidence
Pleased as punch. Or a woman in a German sex swing. Perhaps both.

With results before our match going our way, we have won promotion from 3.Liga. Not that you didn't expect that to happen.

3.Liga Match Day #28
Bullish Leipzig Continue Rampant Form
(1) RB Leipzig 4 – 0 Münster (7) TV
Goals: Leipzig: Frahn (17), Schulz (48), Poulsen (73), Krohne (o.g. 84)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 14/6, Münster 12/3
Possession: Münster 52/48
Cautions: Leipzig: Hoheneder (15) Münster: Jensen (67)
Man of the Match: ST Daniel Frahn 9.3

Form: Coltorti 7.1, Bambara 7.8, Willers 8.3, Hoheneder 7.6, Jung 7.6, Kaiser 7.7, Schulz 8.2, Judt (off 51) 7.1, Rockenbach 7.6, Frahn 9.3, Poulsen 7.8, Fandrich (on 51) 6.6

Brilliant win. Frahn adds two assists to his goal. We just keep on rolling.

3.Liga Match Day #29
Four Score, Leipzig Led Frahn Do it Again
(15) Wehen 2 – 4 Leipzig (1)
Goals: Wehen: T. Müller (18, 41) Leipzig: Frahn (16, 39), Jung (33), Luge (53)
Shots/On Target: Wehen 10/5 Leipzig 11/5
Possession: Wehen 51/49
Cautions: Wehen: Straith (14), Sliskovic (17), Herzig (45+3)
Man of the Match: ST Tobias Müller 8.8

Form: Coltorti 6.6, Bambara 7.2, Willers 5.9, Ernst 8.2, Jung 8.3, Kaiser 7.0, Schulz 6.9, Judt (off 45) 6.2, Rockenbach (off 30) 6.6, Frahn 8.8, Poulsen 7.5, Luge (on 30) 8.3, Fandrich (on 45) 6.6

Anthony Jung scored his first of the year. André Luge scored his 5th, his fourth as a sub.

LEIPZIG CLAIM 3.LIGA TITLE
A foregone conclusion, we clinch the league title with 9 matches left on our schedule. We're hoping to set a number of league records as we march toward the end of the season.

3.Liga Match Day #30
Another Win, Another Three Goals
(1) RB Leipzig 3 – 1 Unterhaching (19)
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (44), Luge (62), Ernsty (83) Unter: Kärcher (12)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig: 26/7 Unter 5/1
Possession: Unter 54/46
Cautions: Unter: Willsch (37)
Man of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen 8.9

Form: Coltorti 6.7, Bambara 6.7, Willers 7.2, Ernsty 7.5, Judt 7.3, Kaiser 6.8, Schulz 7.0, Fandrich 6.7, Luge 7.3, Frahn 6.9, Poulsen 8.9

Poulsen has had an absolutely outstanding second half of the campaign. André Luge has come in very strongly as well and was given the start since Thiago Rockenbach has struggled recently. The move paid off. We didn't look good early, but dominated after Poulsen's goal.

We have set consecutive games with a win, games unbeaten, goals scored and points total records for 3.Liga.

3.Liga Match Day #31
Leipzig Hang On, Avenge Early Season Draw
(3) Darmstadt 1 – 3 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Darmstadt: Hesse (67) Leipzig: Fandrich (6), Poulsen (45, 87)
Shots/On Target: Darmstadt 9/3, Leipzig 14/8
Possession: Darmstadt 56/44
Cautions: Darmstadt: Behrens (56)
Man of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen 8.8

Form: Coltorti 6.7, Müller 7.2, Willers 7.1, Ernst 7.2, Jung 6.9, Kaiser 7.0, Bambara 7.4, Fandrich (off 58) 7.2, Rockenbach 6.7, Frahn 7.4, Poulsen 8.8, Schulz (on 58) 6.7

Darmstadt has been the only club to take points off of us this year with a draw. Frahn added two assists.

3.Liga Match Day #32
Frahn Keeps Scoring, Leipzig Keep Winning
(1) RB Leipzig – Elversberg (17)
Goals: Leipzig: Frahn (2, 90+1), Thomalla (19) Elvers: Dausend (33)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 18/3, Elvers 8/5
Possession: 50/50
Cautions: Leipzig: Judt (73)
Man of the Match: ST Daniel Frahn 9.0

Form: Coltorti 6.7, Müller 7.1, Willers 7.2, Sebastian 6.4, Judt 7.1, Bambara 7.1, Schulz 7.4, Rockenbach 7.0, Luge 6.8, Frahn 9.0, Thomalla 7.7

Daniel Frahn's 2nd minute goal was his 35th of the season … It only took until March 28th for Denis Thomalla to record his first goal.

March Roundup
Rolling along. 31-1-0. 101 for, 39 against.

What more can we say about this season? Records galore in the 3.Liga.

Top Players -
1. ST Daniel Frahn: 33 apps, 36 goals, 14 assists, 8 PoM, 7.78
2. ST Yussuf Poulsen, 30 apps, 18 goals, 17 assists, 6 PoM, 7.52
3. AMR Michael Delura, 24 apps, 11 goals, 9 assists, 4 PoM, 7.41

[NoSkillz]

What a season!

[Grover]

Originally Posted by NoSkillz

What a season!

It has been incredible. My best season ever, no doubt about it.

[Grover]

April 2014
Board Confidence
So confident. We are the champs, after all.

3.Liga Match Day #33
Poulsen Reaches 20 Goals
(20) Stuttgart II 1 – 3 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Stuttgart: Torun (69) Leipzig: Frahn (11), Poulsen (23, 66)
Shots/On Target: Stuttgart 12/3 Leipzig 16/7
Possession: Stuttgart 52/48
Cautions: Stuttgart: Probst (26), Kiefer (50) Leipzig: Kaiser (76)
Man of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen 8.8

Form: Coltorti 7.0, Müller 8.0, Willers 7.1, Ernst 6.9, Judt 6.9, Kaiser 7.0, Bambara 7.1, Fandrich 6.7, Rockenbach 7.3, Frahn 7.7, Poulsen 8.8

Frahn has 37 goals and Poulsen has hit 20. He is a real threat for 20 goals and 20 assists with 5 games to play.

3.Liga Match Day #34
Dominant Regensburg Hold Leipzig to Draw
(1) RB Leipzig 2 – 2 Regensburg (4)
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (37), Frahn (61)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 12/4, Regensburg 20/7
Possession: Regensburg 55/45
Cautions: Leipzig: Judt (75), Müller (77)
Man of the Match: AML Jim Müller 7.7

Form: Coltorti 6.6, Müller 7.1, Willers 6.8, Ernst 6.8, Judt 6.8, Kaiser 6.9, Bambara 6.7, Delura 7.6, Rockenbach 6.4, Frahn 7.1, Poulsen 7.1

Just our second draw, but we were quite lucky to keep our unbeaten run going.

DL Juri Judt will be suspended for one match after picking up his 5th yellow card.

DM Dominik Kaiser (33 apps, 7.08) will miss 2 weeks with a strained neck.

3.Liga Match Day #35
Frahn Hits 40 Goals In Win
(15) Heidenheim 1 – 2 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Heidenheim: Willers (o.g. 7) Leipzig: Frahn (17, 90)
Shots/On Target: Heidenheim 16/10, Leipzig 13/3
Possession: Heidenheim 61/39
Cautions: Leipzig: Ernst (50)
Man of the Match: ST Daniel Frahn 8.8

Form: Coltorti 6.7, Müller 6.6, Willers 6.9, Ernst (off 63) 6.3, Jung 7.0, Schulz 7.1, Bambara 6.8, Fandrich (off 63) 6.2, Rockenbach 7.3, Frahn 8.8, Poulsen (off 63) 6.4, Hoheneder (on 63) 6.6, Thomalla (on 63) 6.6, Delura (on 63) 6.5

I think we're coasting through these last few games. Performances are not what they should be. Frahn now has 40 goals. We have 101 points on the board.

3.Liga Match Day #36
Leipzig Move Closer to Being Invincible
(1) RB Leipzig 3 – 0 Burghausen (13)
Goals: Leipzig: Ernst (25), Poulsen (38), Delura (54)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 11/5, Burghausen 14/1
Possession: Burghausen 58/42
Man of the Match: DC Henrik Ernst 8.5

Form: Coltorti 6.7, Müller 7.9, Willers 7.6, Ernst 8.5, Judt 8.4, Schulz 7.1, Bambara 7.3, Delura 7.8, Rockenbach 6.9, Frahn 7.1, Poulsen 7.6

Excellent performance. The back four in particular were fantastic. Two matches from being considered 'Invincibles'

Chemnitz have won promotion and will join us in the second division next season.

April Roundup
We've run away with the title, the scoring and individual records. We've turned 3.Liga upside down this year. There's really not much more I can say about us. It seemed like we struggled through the Heidenheim and Regensburg matches, but we came out of the month with our undefeated record untouched. 34-2-0.

Top Players -
1. ST Daniel Frahn: 37 apps, 40 goals, 15 assists, 9 PoM, 7.76
2. ST Yussuf Poulsen: 34 apps, 22 goals, 18 assists, 7 PoM, 7.51
3. AMR Michael Delura: 27 apps, 12 goals, 11 assists, 4 PoM, 7.40

[Grover]

May 2014
3.Liga Match Day #37
Poulsen Goal Edges Erfurt
(10) Erfurt 0 – 1 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (61)
Shots/On Target: Erfurt 8/4, Leipzig 9/3
Possession: Erfurt 52/48
Cautions: Erfurt: Odak (47), Möckel (72)
Man of the Match: DM Dominik Kaiser 7.4

Form: Coltorti 6.9, Müller 6.8, Willers 7.1, Ernst 6.9, Judt 7.1, Kaiser 7.4, Bambara 7.1, Delura (off 68) 6.3, Rockenbach 6.7, Frahn (off 68) 6.5, Poulsen 7.1, Fandrich (on 68) 6.5, Thomalla (on 68) 6.7

Certainly not our best or most impressive win, but it got the job done.

We have a chance to maintain our undefeated record and close out the season at home. Fantastic.

3.Liga Match Day #38
UNBESEIGBAR!
(1) RB Leipzig 3 – 1 Duisburg (14)
Goals: Leipzig: Frahn (16, 22), Rockenbach (35) Duisburg: Dum (85)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 10/3, Duisburg 19/6
Possession: Duisburg 54/46
Cautions: Leipzig: Frahn (45), Judt (56) Duisburg: Wissing (15), Gerhardt (40), Feisthammel (77)
Man of the Match: ST Daniel Frahn 8.8

Form: Coltorti 7.2, Müller 7.2, Willers 7.3, Ernst 7.4, Judt 7.5, Kaiser (off 62) 7.3, Bambara 7.2, Delura 6.9, Rockenbach 8.0, Frahn 8.8, Poulsen 6.8, Schulz (on 62) 6.7

Wow. Just wow. We did it. We fucking did it.

Board Confidence
We didn't lose a single league game. They're pretty chuffed.

We have been given £600,000 for finishing first in the 3.Liga.

ST Daniel Frahn has been named 3.Liga Player of the Year, as well as Top Goalscorer.

DC Tobias Willers, DR Christian Müller, AMR Michael Delura and ST Daniel Frahn were all named in the 3.Liga Team of the Year.

[BYU 14]

Dominant, share your tactic.....please!!!

[Grover]

Originally Posted by BYU 14

Dominant, share your tactic.....please!!!

To be fair, we've only averaged around 45% possession during the season. We've just been so incredible quick on the counter.

I prefer a more passing-based attack, but I didn't have those types of players on this team.



I do not have any individual player instructions set whatsoever. But I used this tactic in all 39 games we played. My only loss all season was the German Cup match with Bundesliga side Stuttgart and we took them all the way to penalties.

[Northwood_DK]

Congratulation on a fantastic first season.

Can you please post a screen shot of Daniel Frahn. That’s a very impressive stats-line he managed this season.

[Grover]

Originally Posted by Northwood_DK

Congratulation on a fantastic first season.

Can you please post a screen shot of Daniel Frahn. That’s a very impressive stats-line he managed this season.

Thank you.

And here you are:

[Grover]

We'll be starting the 2014/15 campaign in 2.Bundesliga tonight. I'm having a hell of a time getting anybody to come to scenic Leipzig.

[Alf]

East Germany aint attractive

[Grover]

June/July 2014 – The Offseason
Board Confidence
They're still ecstatic with the job done last season.

To be fair, we were over payroll most of the season, but the undefeated record helped paper over any cracks that might have caused in the confidence. Moving forward we'll definitely need to be more cognizant of wages.

We'll have a ton of staff to replace at the end of the season, including our assistant manager. Contracts expiring on the 30th.

Initial Budgets
We've been given a payroll budget of £138K p/w, we're sitting around £115K right now.

We've also been given a transfer budget of £853K.

I'm not sure how active we'll be in the transfer market, but we'll definitely be on the lookout for Bosmans.

Team Awards
ST Daniel Frahn was named Player of the Year by the supporters.

General News
We can now scout within Europe. We're growing!

We've also been handed £3.04M in TV rights for the upcoming season.

Pretty much everybody gets a promotion raise and we're back under payroll. We'll see where it leaves us when contracts expire at the end of the month.

AMR Clemens Fandrich has torn a hamstring in training and will miss 3-4 months.

Coach Phillip Laux will become our new assistant manager.

Pre-Season Friendlies
RB Leipzig 1 – 0 Spara Prague
RB Leipzig 0 – 3 Young Boys
Köniz 0 – 4 RB Leipzig
Rostock 2 – 0 RB Leipzig
FC Charleroi 0 – 3 RB Leipzig

Losing Out
We're a week into July and we've lost out on our top DC target and may lose out to a Bundesliga club on our top choice to replace Coltorti at GK.

Kimmich Sold
We've sold DM Josh Kimmich to Hetha BSC for £180K.

Coltorti's Replacement Found
We have signed 29 year-old goalkeeper Damir Kahriman from Ukranian side Tavria for a fee of £775K.

Our assistant and scouts think he would be a decent Bundesliga keeper, which is good news for us in the second division. He excels at one on ones, but is a bit weaker in the kicking game.

Frahn Knock
We'll loose Daniel Frahn for the first two weeks of the campaign with a strained wrist. He's a football player, he doesn't need his wrist!

2.Bundesliga Match Day #1
Schulz Pops Up With Late Winner
Sandhausen 1 – 2 RB Leipzig
Goals: Sandhausen: Dum (71) Leipzig: Poulsen (68), Schulz (87)
Shots/On Target: Sandhausen 14/9 Leipzig 15/7
Possession: Sandhausen 54/46
Cautions: Leipzig: Kaiser (89)
Man of the Match: GK Damir Kahriman 8.1

Form: Kahriman 8.1, Müller 7.1, Willers 7.1, Ernst 6.9, Rockenbach (off 61) 6.6, Kaiser 6.8, Bambara 6.9, Delura (off 61) 6.8, Judt (off 69) 6.6, Poulsen 7.5, Thomalla 6.3. Luge (on 69) 6.6, Jung (on 61) 6.6, Schulz (on 61) 7.2

By far the single best goalkeeping performance I've had since taking over at the club. Damir was fantastic in making 8 saves, some of them very, very timely.

Season Tickets
We've improved on ticket sales last year, going from 3,000 to 3,597.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #2
Leipzig Turn On Second Half Class
RB Leipzig 3 – 1 Chemnitz
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (46), Delura (68), Thomalla (75) Chemnitz: Landeka (40)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 8/3, Chemnitz 7/1
Possession: 50/50
Cautions: Leipzig: Sebastian (39) Chemnitz: Wachsmuth (83)
Man of the Match: AMR Michael Delura 8.3

Form: Kahriman 6.7, Müller 7.3, Willers (off 61) 6.3, Sebastian 7.2, Judt 7.1, Kaiser (off 61) 6.8, Bambara 7.0, Delura 8.3, Rockenbach (off 61) 6.5, Thomalla (off 76) 7.2, Poulsen 7.6, Hoheneder (on 61) 7.0, Luge (on 61) 6.7, Schulz (on 61) 6.7

ST Denis Thomalla had to be removed after 76 minutes due to injury. Directly after his goal. We played with 10 men over the last quarter hour and managed to hold the two goal edge. Great win over one of two teams that came up with us.

July Roundup
We open the season with two straight wins. Both of them without the fantastic Daniel Frahn who has just recently returned to training. We sit second in the table, but obviously that is meaningful with just 2 of 34 games played so far.

Top Players -
1. ST Yussuf Poulsen: 2 apps, 2 goals, 7.55
2. AMR Michael Delura: 2 apps, 1 goal, 1 PoM, 7.55
3. GK Damir Kahriman, 2 apps, 2 conceded, 1 PoM, 7.40

[Grover]

August 2014
Board Confidence
Still chuffed. Finances are going into the toilet, mostly from the Kahriman transfer, but it was within the board given budget. They expect finances to improve.

We sold 704 jerseys in July.

Domaschke Out
We have sold backup keeper Eric Domaschke to Großaspach. The deal is worth £19.75K and was made after Domaschke expressed unhappiness at a lack of playing time.

German Cup (First Round)
Thomalla Plays Catalyst in Leipzig Win
RB Leipzig 2 – 1 Werder Bremen
Goals: Leipzig: Thomalla (65), Mielitz (o.g. 73) Bremen: Caldirola (4)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 16/3, Bremen 11/5
Possession: Bremen 61/39
Cautions: Leipzig: Judt (52)
Man of the Match: ST Denis Thomalla 8.1

Form: Kahriman 6.5, Müller 6.7, Willers 6.5, Sebastian 7.0, Judt 6.3, Kaiser 7.0, Bambara 7.5, Delura (off 56) 6.6, Rockenbach 6.7, Frahn 6.5, Poulsen (off 56) 6.4, Thomalla (on 56) 8.1, Schulz (on 56) 6.8

Fantastic win. We looked like a different team once Thomalla came onto the fray. He's improved greatly from last season and could see more and more time moving forward.

Our first win over a Bundesliga side is a big one. Curious to see who we'll be paired with in the next round.

We've been given £86.41K for the victory. Not too shabby.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #3
Frahn Keeps Bulls Charging
St. Pauli 0 – 1 RB Leipzig
Goals: Leipzig: Frahn (65)
Shots/On Target: St. Pauli 14/7, Leipzig 9/5
Possession: St. Pauli 55/45
Cautions: St. Pauli: Boll (84) Leipzig: Willers (40)
Man of the Match: DC Davidson Drobo-Ampem 7.6

Form: Kahriman 6.7, Müller 7.4, Willers 7.6, Sebastian 7.0, Judt 7.1, Kaiser 6.7, Bambara 7.2, Delura (off 58) 6.1, Rockenbach (off 58) 6.6, Frahn 7.2, Poulsen 6.7, Luge (on 58) 6.6, Schulz (on 58) 6.5

A solid, if unmemorable win. The goal was on a defensive error on a long clearance from Kahriman. The St. Pauli defender cocked it up, allowed Frahn to get behind him and slot past the keeper. It works.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #4
Delura's Immediate Reply Seals Victory
(2) RB Leipzig 2 – 1 Fürth (4)
Goals: Leipzig: Frahn (37), Delura (49) Fürth: Sparv (47)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 13/7 Fürth 15/2
Possession: Fürth 57/43
Cautions: Fürth: Kleine (76)
Man of the Match: ST Daniel Frahn 8.3

Form: Kahriman 6.5, Müller 6.6, Willers 7.5, Sebastian (off 67) 6.3, Judt 6.9, Kaiser (off 67) 6.8, Bambara 7.8, Delura 7.4, Rockenbach 6.8, Frahn 8.3, Poulsen 6.8, Hoheneder (on 67) 6.7, Schulz (on 67) 6.8

Another solid, but narrow victory. Frahn made a terrific play to set up the second goal. He moved into the 18, had a defender and the keeper step up, realizing the shot was gone, he sent a pass to his right for Delura who had nothing but miles of open goal to shoot for.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #5
Rockenbach Vital as Bulls Beat Goats
(3) Köln 1 – 3 RB Leipzig (2)
Goals: Köln: Hector (12) Leipzig: Rockenbach (19), Frahn (30), Frimpong (o.g. 67)
Shots/On Target: Köln 22/7 Leipzig: 9/6
Possession: Köln 52/48
Man of the Match: AML Thiago Rockenbach 8.3

Form: Kahriman 6.8, Müller 7.3, Willers 7.8, Sebastian 6.8, Judt 7.2, Kaiser 7.0, Bambara 7.0, Delura (off 63) 6.3, Rockenbach 8.3, Frahn 7.3, Poulsen 6.8

Thiago Rockenbach finally puts in a performance with a fantastic goal and a superb assist. Former Arsenal product Emmanuel Frimpong helps us out with our third goal. We just keep on rolling along.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #6
Bambara Blast Edges 1860
(2) RB Leipzig 1 – 0 1860 München (5)
Goals: Leipzig: Bambara (77)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 11/6, 1860 16/3
Possession: 1860 61/39
Cautions: 1860: Bierofka (90+3)
Man of the Match: DM Moise Bambara 7.8

Form: Khariman 6.8, Müller 6.8, Willers 7.8, Sebastian 7.1, Judt 7.3, Kaiser 6.9, Bambara 7.8, Rockenbach 6.7, Delura (off 61) 6.3, Frahn (off 61) 6.2, Thomalla 6.7, Luge (on 61) 6.8, Poulsen (on 61) 6.5

Frahn had a very bad game. It was the back four and holding midfielders who shined in this one. Six straight wins to open the new season.

August Review
Six from six and we sit in a familiar place: at the top of a league table. We've scored 12 and conceded just 4. The scoring is down, but the back four is playing better than they did last year. Kahriman has been a big improvement over Coltorti between the sticks.

Top Players -
1. DM Moise Bambara: 7 apps, 1 goal, 1 assist, 7.43 tackles/90, 1 PoM, 7.31
2. DC Tobias Willers: 7 apps, 4.04 tackles/90, 7.23
3. ST Daniel Frahn: 5 apps, 3 goals, 1 assist, 1 PoM, 7.10

[Alf]

stilll kicking asses !

[Grover]

Originally Posted by Alf

stilll kicking asses !

Somehow, someway.

September 2014
Board Confidence
The board is delighted as pie. Key lime to be exact. Delicious.

Bambara Knock
DM Moise Bambara has a damaged elbow after landing awkwardly in an international match for Burkina Faso against Nigeria. He's expected to miss two weeks and has been our best player this year.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #7
Mainz Dominate, But Bulls Hold Firm
(1) RB Leipzig 1 – 1 Mainz (9)
Goals: Leipzig: Frahn (43) Mainz: Falqué (15)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 8/3 Mainz 12/4
Possession: Mainz 59/41
Cautions: Leipzig: Sebastian (28), Kaiser (37), Ernst (81), Judt (90+3)
Man of the Match: AML Iago Falqué 7.7

Form: Kahriman 6.5, Müller 7.2, Willers 6.9, Sebastian (off 63) 6.4, Judt 6.4, Kaiser 6.7, Schulz 6.9, Delura 6.8, Rockenbach (off 63) 6.4, Frahn 7.1, Poulsen (off 63) 6.4, Ernst (on 63) 6.8, Thomalla (on 63) 6.6, Luge (on 63) 6.6

Mainz is the most talented team we have played this year. They may be sitting 9th, but they have a few starters that are playing below their level and their relative class to ours is a gulf.

This was a subpar performance. Only two players above a 7 rating.

Until I have the means to acquire players who can pass and dribble, we will continue to struggle for possession.

This match was on the 14th. We also have matches on the 17th and 19th.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #8
Willers Rises Above to Leave it Late
(16) Aue 0 – 1 RB Leipzig (2)
Goals: Leipzig: Willers (87)
Shots/On Target: Aue 8/3, Leipzig 11/5
Possession: Aue 66/34
Cautions: Leipzig: Kaiser (70), Müller (78)
Man of the Match: DC Tobias Willers 8.1

Form: Kahriman 6.8, Müller 7.2, Willers 8.1, Sebastian 7.1, Ernst 6.4, Poulsen 6.5, Rockenbach 6.9, Frahn 6.8, Thomalla 6.6

An ugly win. 1/3 possession? Ugh. The back four was strong as ever, with Willers heading home the winner. We're doing well in the congestion of fixtures this week. Two down, one to go.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #9
Fandrich Returns With Match Winner
(2) RB Leipzig 1 – 0 Paderborn (15)
Goals: Leipzig: Fandrich (77)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 5/1 Paderborn 15/6
Possession: Paderborn 63/37
Cautions: Leipzig: Judt (32)
Man of the Match: AML Clemens Fandrich 8.3

Form: Kahriman 6.8, Müller 6.9, Willers 6.9, Franke 7.4, Judt 8.0, Schulz 6.7, Sebastian 6.8, Delura 6.4, Fandrich 8.3, Frahn (off 45) 6.3, Poulsen 6.6, Thomalla (on 45) 6.3

The team was tired coming into this one, with the majority of our players starting in the mid-80s for condition.

Fandrich plays his first match after missing four months with a torn hamstring. He and Judt put in an excellent performance in down the left side. We get 7 of 9 points from three matches in a week.

Kahriman Struggling to Settle
Not what I wanted to hear from my £775,000 signing in the summer. He's playing fairly well, only conceding 6 goals in 10 matches, but hates being away from his family and friends.

Bollocks.

German Cup (Second Round)
Fantastic Fandrich Does it Again!
RB Leipzig 1 – 0 Kaiserslautern
Goals: Leipzig: Fandrich (109)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 26/7, Kaiser 19/4
Possession: Leipzig 52/48
Cautions: Kaiser: Borysiuk (62, red 89)
Man of the Match: DC Tim Sebastian 7.9

Form: Kahriman 6.8, Müller 7.5, Willers 7.7, Sebastian 7.9, Judt 7.4, Kaiser 6.9, Bambara 6.9, Delura (off 88) 6.6, Rockenbach (off 74) 6.6, Frahn 6.9, Poulsen off (74) 6.1, Fandrich (on 88) 7.2, Luge (on 74) 6.7, Thomalla (on 74) 6.3

We were the favorites coming in against the Bundesliga side. Strange, right? An unbelievable late goal gets us through against another top division side. The back four was heroic, Fandrich was amazing, coming on after Delura was injured.

We have been awarded £216,000 for the victory.

Tomczak Signs New Deal
I've signed a new contract that will keep me at the club through 2017.

My career record at RB Leipzig now stands at 46 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss. The loss was to Stuttgart in the German Cup first round in July 2013. That match went to penalties. As such, the game considers us to be unbeaten in 50 games in the news update.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #10
Thriller at Audi-Sportpark
(3) Inglostadt 3 – 3 RB Leipzig (2)
Goals: Inglostadt: Schäffler (30, 72), Morales (75) Leipzig: Poulsen (51), Franke (57), Thomally (82)
Shots/On Target: Inglostadt 31/10 Leipzig 10/7
Possession: Inglostadt 61/39
Cautions: Leipzig: Jung (50)
Man of the Match: ST Manuel Schäffler 8.8

Form: Kahriman 6.5, Willers 6.2, Müller (off 72) 5.6, Franke 7.5, Jung 6.6, Schulz 6.5, Ernst 7.9, Fandrich (off 72) 5.9, Rockenbach 6.9, Thomalla 7.1, Poulsen 7.1, Hoheneder (on 72) 6.5, Delura (on 72) 6.9

Very lucky to escape this one with a point. Frahn needed the rest, both forwards provided for us in his absence. Franke gets his first goal amidst a first team run with all the fixtures. He's looked very good in the last two.

September Review
In 10 matches we've won 8 and drawn 2. We sit at the top of the table with a 1 point lead over Augsburg, with Köln 6 points back in third. We have to remember we play four less games in this division, so the halfway point will creep up a bit quicker.

Top Players -
1. DM Moise Bambara: 8 apps, 1 goal, 1 assist, 7.32 tackles/90', 1 PoM, 7.26
2. DC Tobias Willers: 12 apps, 1 goal, 3.50 tackles/90', 1 PoM, 7.20
3. DL Juri Judt: 10 apps, 1 assist, 10.50 tackles/90', 7.03

[Grover]

October 2014
Board Confidence
Still delighted. “Absolutely delighted” even. Fans are disappointed with Yussuf Poulsen's recent run of form (6.6 last 5), Denis Thomalla will see an increased opportunity.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #11
Frahn and Fandrich Lead Superb Fightback
(1) RB Leipzig 4 – 2 Karlsruhe (11)
Goals: Leipzig: Fandrich (25, 55), Thomalla (28), Frahn (73) Karsruhe: Ziereis (5, 8)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 14/7, Karlsruhe 20/7
Possession: Karlsruhe 57/43
Man of the Match: ST Daniel Frahn 9.0

Form: Kahriman 6.7, Müller 6.8, Willers 7.4, Franke 6.9, Judt 7.1, Kaiser 7.0, Bambara 7.4, Fandrich 8.8, Rockenbach 6.8, Frahn 9.0, Thomalla 8.0

Two goals and as assist for Fandrich. One goal and two assists for Frahn. Thomalla had one of each. That was our best offensive performance of the season. We need to attack like we did here moving forward.

Kahriman is unhappy and now wishes to move to a bigger club. He's agreed to stay on until the end of the season, but if I can move him at a profit in January, I will.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #12
Fandrich Leads Ten Man Bulls
(1) RB Leipzig 2 – 0 Augsburg (2)
Goals: Leipzig: Sebastian (4), Rockenbach (pen 66)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 15/5, Augsburg 15/3
Possession: Augsburg 58/42
Cautions: Leipzig: Kaiser (12), Müller (13, red 14) Augsburg: Vogt (53, red 87)
Man of the Match: AMR Clemens Fandrich 8.1

Form: Kahriman 6.6, Bambara 7.3, Willers 7.4, Sebastian 7.7, Judt 7.5, Kaiser (off 64) 6.8, Frahn (off 14) –, Fandrich 8.1, Rockenbach 7.7, Müller (red 14) –, Poulsen (off 64) 6.7, Thomalla (on 64) 6.6, Schulz (on 14) 6.4, Ernst (on 64) 6.4

Huge win. We open up a four point lead at the top. Fandrich continues his blistering form with an assist and some fine runs down the right flank. He was an impetus for us all day. The back four, with the exception of Müller was very good again. Bambara moved to right back after the red card and performed admirably.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #13
Bulls Struggle in Bore Draw
(7) Dresden 0 – 0 RB Leipzig (1)
Shots/On Target: Dresden 9/1 Leipzig 12/2
Possession: Dresden 57/43
Cautions: Dresden: Vrancic (52) Leipzig: Jung (41), Bambara (88)
Man of the Match: DC Tobias Willers 7.9

Form: Kahriman 6.6, Judt 6.8, Willers 7.9, Sebastian 7.4, Jung 7.7, Kasier (off 57) 6.5, Bambara 6.6, Fandrich (off 57) 6.5, Rockenbach 6.7, Frahn 6.2, Poulsen (off 57) 6.3, Delura (on 57) 6.5, Thomalla (on 57) 6.7, Schulz (on 57) 6.7

Another ugly result, but we take a point on the road. I believe this is our first game without scoring a goal. Ever.

Sreckovic Joins
I have moved to sign 26 year old Serbian left winger Nenad Sreckovic. He's on contract through June 2017. He's an excellent team player, which is something we need more of.

October Review
We are unbeaten since July 20, 2013. A run of 54 games.

10 wins, 3 draws in the league. We still maintain a four point edge on Augsburg. Four matches from the halfway point of the season, still alive in the German Cup. We're looking fairly good heading toward the winter break.

Top Players -
1. DC Tobias Willers: 15 apps, 1 goal, 4 tackles/90', 2 PoM, 7.27
2. DM Moise Bambara: 11 apps, 1 goals, 1 assist, 7.32 tackles/90', 1 PoM, 7.22
3. ST Daniel Frahn: 11 apps, 5 goals, 3 assists, 2 PoM, 7.07

[Grover]

November 2014
Board Confidence
The board is delighted, with no negatives to report.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #14
Fantastic Frahn Nets Hat Trick, Stoppage Winner
(12) Cottbus 3 – 4 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Cottbus: Banovic (pen 12), Stiepermann (18), Rivic (89) Leipzig: Frahn (pen 8, 77, 90), Franke (70)
Shots/On Target: Cottbus 17/8, Leipzig 15/11
Possession: Cottbus 51/49
Cautions: Cottbus: Kirkeskov (38) Leipzig: Franke (10), Fandrich (31), Sebastian (55)
Man of the Match: ST Daniel Frahn 9.4

Form: Kahriman 6.6, Müller 6.4, Sebastian 6.99, Franke 8.3, Judt 6.8, Kaiser 6.9, Bambara 6.8, Fandrich 6.8, Rockenbach 7.2, Frahn 9.4, Poulsen 8.6

Phenomenal back and forth match that ends with Daniel Frahn sealing the points and a hat trick. Poulsen added two assists and Franke was fine again in the back, adding a goal.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #15
Willers Dominant, Bulls Win
(1) RB Leipzig 1 – 0 Bochum (5)
Goals: Leipzig: Willers (38)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 14/3 Bochum 4/2
Possession: 50/50
Cautions: Leipzig: Judt (79) Bochum: Tiffert (66)
Man of the Match: DC Tobias Willers 8.2

Form: Kahriman 6.7, Müller 7.3, Willers 8.2, Sebastian 7.0, Judt 6.8, Kaiser (off 68) 6.6, Bambara 6.9, Fandrich 6.9, Rockenbach 7.2, Frahn (off 68) 6.7, Poulsen 6.7, Thomalla (on 68) 6.6, Schulz (on 68) 6.7

We just about scrape another win. Willers has been our best player this year and continues to be a rock at the heart of the defence. He's been handy on set pieces as well.

Willers Injured
And we speak too soon. Tobias Willers (16 apps, 2 goals, 7.33) sustained a chest injury after overexerting himself in the weight room during training. The central defender will be out until mid-December.

Budget Increased
After a meeting with the board, they have agreed to £1.29M. We will be looking to reinforce the squad in January. A rule I did not realize is that player registration is closed until January 1. Therefore, Nenard Sreckovic cannot play for us until then.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #16
Bulls Continue Run, Remain Unbeatable
(18) Halle 1 – 2 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Halle: Lachhen (48) Leipzig: Frahn (17), Poulsen (37)
Shots/On Target: Halle 15/9, Leipzig 19/10
Possession: Halle 54/46
Cautions: Halle: Bell (71)
Man of the Match: DC Adil Lachheb 7.7

Form: Kahriman 6.7, Müller 7.2, Sebastian 7.3, Franke 7.1, Judt 6.8, Kaiser 6.8, Bambara (inj 63) 6.8, Fandrich (sub 63) 6.3, Rockenbach (sub 63) 6.4, Frahn 7.2, Poulsen 7.7, Luge (on 63) 6.7, Delura (on 63) 6.8, Schulz (on 63) 6.7

Poulsen is finding his form once more, hitting a goal and assist in this one. Frahn notches his 9th of the season.

As you saw above, Moise Bambara was injured. He'll end up missing 5-6 weeks with a twisted ankle. Luckily, most of this is during the winter break.

Crimi Joins Leipzig
We have signed 24 year-old Marco Crimi to a two year contract. He has excellent mentals and will no doubt be a key player for us. He will play as a deep lying playmaker in my DM heavy 4-2-4.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #17
Bulls Draw With Frahn Goa
(1) RB Leipzig 1 – 1 Düsseldorf (9)
Goals: Leipzig: Frahn (33) Düsseldorf: Ômae (17)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 8/2 Düsseldorf 15/5
Possession: Düsseldorf 58/42
Cautions: Leipzig: Müller (19), Crimi (56)
Man of the Match: AML Genki Ômae 7.7

Form: Kahriman 6.7, Müller 6.8, Sebastian 7.5, Franke 7.3, Judt 7.0, Kaiser 7.0, Crimi 6.8, Fandrich 6.4, Rockenbach 6.7, Frahn 7.0, Poulsen 6.7

Sreckovic was on the bench. Crimi got the start and played well enough for his first match. We just couldn't get it in gear today.

November Review
We keep on trucking. Halfway through the season 13 wins, 4 draws sees us with a 10 point lead over Inglostadt, though we have a game in hand. It's quite possible we're shooting too high too quickly and this could hurt us badly in Bundesliga should we get promoted.

I'd rather deal with that as it comes.

[Alf]

10 points lead at halftime. Looks promotion is coming !

[Grover]

December 2014 / January 2015
Board Confidence
They're still delighted, but slightly disappointed with the departure of Eric Domaschke. The keeper that never once appeared for us.

Tobias Willers is back in full training.

German Cup (Third Round)
Leipzig Advance in Convincing Fashion
RB Leipzig 4 – 0 Ingolstadt
Goals: Leipzig: Rockenbach (4), Franke (12), Frahn (61), Sebastian (83)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 20/11 Ingolstadt 16/3
Possession: Inglostadt 59/41
Cautions: Leipzig: Sebastian (70), Müller (78), Judt (81) Ingolstadt: Soares (59)
Man of the Match: AMR Thiago Rockenbach 9.3

Form: Kahriman 7.0, Müller 8.0, Sebastian 8.9, Franke 9.0, Judt 8.1, Kaiser (sub 55) 6.6, Schulz 7.4, Rockenbach 9.3, Fandrich (sub 55) 6.4, Frahn 7.8, Poulsen 7.9, Crimi (on 55) 6.9, Sreckovic (on 55) 6.7

Rockenbach does it all, starting on the left and shifting to the right. He added two assists after his goal. The entire team was on it today. Great job all around and we move on.

We've received £459,000 for the victory.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #18
Frahn Leads Leipzig to Another Win
(1) RB Leipzig 2 – 1 Sandhausen (16)
Goals: Leipzig: Sebastian (8), Frahn (62) Sandhausen: Knoll (48)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 13/4 Sandhausen 5/2
Possession: 50/50
Cautions: Leipzig: Sebastian (84)
Man of the Match: ML Marvin Knoll 8.3

Form: Kahriman 6.7, Müller 6.7, Sebastian 7.4, Willers 7.1, Judt 7.5, Kaiser 7.9, Crimi (sub 67) 6.5, Fandrich (sub 67) 6.4, Rockenbach (sub 45) 6.3, Frahn 7.0, Poulsen 6.7, Sreckovic (on 45) 6.6, Schulz (on 67) 6.7, Delura (on 67) 6.6

A mundane win. One match left until the well earned winter break.

We are now unbeaten in 60 matches.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #19
Leipzig Trounce Rivals, Ease Into Winter Break
(5) Chemnitz – RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Chemnitz: Hensel (51)Leipzig: Poulsen (8), Frahn (pen 21, 36), Riederer (o.g. 45+2), Fandrich (62)
Shots/On Target: Chemnitz 11/5 Leipzig 13/8
Possession: Leipzig 51/49
Cautions: Chemnitz: Bankert (21, red 45+4), Wachsmuth (66) Leipzig: Franke (10), Crimi (80)
Man of the Match: AMR Clemens Fandrich 9.0

Form: Kahriman 6.8, Müller 7.8, Sebastian 7.9, Franke 8.3, Judt 7.8, Kaiser (sub 56) 7.0, Crimi 7.7, Fandrich 9.0, Rockenbach (sub 56) 7.8, Frahn 8.6, Poulsen 7.8, Sreckovic (on 56) 6.7, Schulz (on 56) 6.7

A comprehensive victory to head into the winter break. Frahn with two goals, Rockenbach with two assists, Fandrich lead the way with one of each. We probably should have had more! Crimi is adjusting nicely. Sreckovic is going to need some starts to meld with the team, but Rockenbach has been outstanding as of late and I can't justify sitting him right now.

Tomczak Brings in Politevich
We're preparing to go up a level and lose some players through contract expiry at the end of this season. Politevich is the first signing to shore up the back four moving forward and upward. The 24 year-old Belarus international is not technically magnificent, 13 mark and tackle is sufficient. However, he is strong (15 str, 15 jump) and is solid across the board mentally. He can also play DM in a pinch. As a free transfer this could be another coup without spending any real money.

January Friendlies
RC Strasbourg Alsace 1 – 0 RB Leipzig
Aalen 2 – 1 RB Leipzig
SV Grödig 2 – 2 RB Leipzig
US Dunkerque 0 – 3 RB Leipzig

Nestor Joins
We'll be losing DR Christian Müller in the summer, he's not a Bundesliga quality player. We move for Frenchman Loïc Nestor from La Berrichonne. The player costs us £220,000. The 25 year-old fullback is another determined player with decent skills and solid physicals. We're gearing ourselves up for a relegation dogfight in 2015-16.

December-January Review
15 wins, 4 draws, 0 losses. Our 49 points gives us a 9 point lead over Ingolstadt, a 10 point edge over Augsburg. We seemed to really be hitting our stride in the counter attack this month and it's disappointing we'll have a full month off (barring friendlies). This is the time of time when you'd love to just keep on rolling through the games to gain momentum.

Top Players -
1. DC Tobias Willers: 17 apps, 2 goals, 4 tackles/90' 3 PoM, 7.32
2. ST Daniel Frahn: 19 apps, 14 goals, 3 assists, 3 PoM, 7.31
3. DC Tim Sebastian: 19 apps, 3 goals, 3.62 tackles/90' 1 PoM 7.24

[Grover]

February 2015
Board Confidence
Still, always and forever delighted.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #20
Leipzig Hang On to Claim All Three
(1) RB Leipzig 3 – 2St. Pauli (6)
Goals: Leipzig: Crimi (12), Poulsen (23), Fandrich (63) St. Pauli: Schindler (72), Verhoek (76)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig: 10/6 St. Pauli 14/7
Possession: St. Pauli 54/46
Cautions: St. Pauli: Nehrig (red 90)
Man of the Match: AMR Clemens Fandrich 8.3

Form: Kahriman 6.6, Nestor 5.7, Willers 6.7, Sebastian 6.5, Judt 6.6, Crimi 7.5, Bambara 6.8, Fandrich 8.3, Rockenbach (inj 53) 6.5, Frahn 7.1, Poulsen 8.1, Sreckovic (on 53) 6.7

A bit of a let down in the second half after building a comfortable three goal lead. Some of the players aren't happy that I was upset with the second half performance. Fandrich was excellent down the right again. Nestor struggled badly in the second half, but reacted positively to my harsh team talk. Not a very good debut, but at least he wants to get better.

Crimi scored his first goal. He's got to be chuffed with that.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #21
New Defenders Show Tomczak They're Capable
(11) Fürth 1 – 3 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Fürth: Gießelmann (81) Leipzig: Fandrich (25), Frahn (42), Poulsen (52)
Shots/On Target: Fürth 24/8 Leipzig 16/9
Possession: Fürth 51/47
Cautions: Fürth: Sparv (21), Rau (70)
Man of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen 8.4

Form: Kahriman 6.7, Nestor 6.7, Willers 7.5, Politevich 7.6, Judt 7.2, Crimi (sub 70) 7.2, Bambara 6.9, Fandrich 8.3, Rockenbach (sub 58) 6.7, Frahn (sub 70) 8.2, Poulsen 8.4, Sreckovic (on 58) 6.7, Thomala (on 70) 6.7, Kaiser (on 70) 6.7

Fandrich, Frahn and Poulsen all finished with one goal and one assist. Politevich was solid in his debut, Nestor improved immeasurably. Sreckovic is still struggling with his sub role.

Politevich Injured
Bad news as our newest and shiniest signing has pulled a hamstring in training and is expected to miss five weeks.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #22
Bulls and Goats Share the Spoils
(1) RB Leipzig 1 – 1 Köln (4)
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (49) Köln: Arnold (29)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 6/5 Kòln 24/8
Possession: Kòln 61/39
Cautions: Leipzig: Judt (44), Crimi (55)
Man of the Match: AMC Maximilian Arnold 7.8

Form: Kahriman 6.7, Nestor 6.5, Willers 7.0, Sebastian 6.4, Judt (sub 54) 5.9, Crimi 6.8, Bambara 6.7, Fandrich (inj 21) 6.7, Rockenbach (sub 54) 6.3, Frahn 6.7, Poulsen 7.1, Jung (on 54) 6.8, Sreckovic (on 54) 6.4, Delura (on 21) 6.7

This match was an absolute struggle. Once again we're lucky to nip out of it with a point.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #23
Thomalla Leaves it Late, Steals a Point, Unbeaten Run Continues
(13) 1860 München 2 – 2 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: 1860: Losilla (35), Wannenwetsch (79) Leipzig: Fandrich (33), Thomalla (90)
Shots/On Target: 1860 16/8 Leipzig 7/4
Possession: 1860 59/41
Man of the Match: AML Anthony Losilla 7.6

Form: Kahriman 6.6, Nestor 7.0, Willers 7.0, Sebastian 6.6, Judt 7.3, Crimi 6.9, Bambara 6.8, Fandrich 7.4, Rockenbach (sub 68) 6.2, Frahn 6.9, Poulsen (sub 68) 6.1, Sreckovic (on 68) 6.6, Thomalla (on 68) 8.0

Another lucky result to end February. I've a feeling our unbeaten run is coming to an end. The matches seem to be getting tougher and tougher.

February Review
We 17-6-0 with an 11 point lead over Ingolstadt, 13 over Augsburg. We've scored the most goals with 48 and conceded the second fewest with 23. We seem to be struggling in the last couple of matches, but Köln and München are very good sides. We'll be tested again with the German Cup and some tough league matches moving forward.

Loïc Nestor is struggling at right back early on, but finally posted a 7 rating in the last match. I'm hoping he's turned a corner. Marco Crimi is well adjusted to the squad, he seamlessly moved in right from the start. Nenad Sreckovic needs more time or more starts.

Top Players
1. ST Daniel Frahn: 23 apps, 15 goals, 6 assists, 3 PoM, 7.29
2. AMR Clemens Fandrich: 17 apps, 8 goals, 4 assists, 4 PoM, 7.28
3. DC Tobias Willers: 23 apps, 2 goals, 3.76 tackles/90', 3PoM, 7.27

[BYU 14]

Wow you have created a Juggernaught. Can't wait to see how you do at top tier!

[Grover]

Originally Posted by BYU 14

Wow you have created a Juggernaught. Can't wait to see how you do at top tier!

It has been an astounding rise, but I am still extremely concerned about our inability to win possession. In the 67 games I've played, we average around 43.5% possession per game.

The counterattacking is great, but at what point are we completely erased from matches because we can't hold the ball?

My goal is to spend (hopefully I get a decent amount of cash in the summer) to upgrade my midfield, especially the wings. Fandrich has been great, but his mentals are weak and he's not the type of player we can advance with moving forward.

We'll learn a lot about this team and my tactical nous when we start playing the Dortmunds, Bayern Münchens, Leverkusens and Schalkes of the world.

[Grover]

March 2015
Board Confidence
Still delighted. Still disappointed with the departure of never used GK Eric Domaschke. Strange.

German Cup (Quarter Final)
Ten Man Leipzig Hang By Thread, Reach Semi Final
RB Leipzig 2 - 1 Mainz
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (35), Willers (3) Mainz: Holebas (19)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 9/4 Mainz 32/13
Possession: Mainz 52/48
Cautions: Leipzig: Frahn (3), Rockenbach (5), Judt (18), Bambara (28, red 61), Willers (42) Mainz: Holebas (65)
Man of the Match: DL José Holebas 8.3

Form: Kahriman 6.7, Nestor 7.0, Willers 7.6, Franke (sub 61) 6.4, Judt (sub 61) 6.4, Kaiser 6.9, Frahn (sub 61) 6.6, Fandrich 7.4, Rockenbach 6.8, Bambara (red 61) 6.7, Poulsen 7.1, Sebastian (on 61) 6.6, Jung (on 61) 7.0, Crimi (on 61) 6.8

We held and held and held and held some more. Mainz were absolutely dominant once we went down to ten men and we coped just enough to eke our way to the semifinal. Nestor puts in another solid performance, Willers is the hero with the game winner and Bambara is the goat for getting sent off.

Bambara's suspension only applies to German Cup matches. That's kind of nice.

We have been given £972,000 for the victory.

The semi final matches are set.

Sttugart vs Hamburg
RB Leipzig vs Freiburg

The matches will be played in late April.

Both Bayern München and Dortmund went out. Couldn't hope for anything better than that. We have a real chance to win this thing now.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #24
Frahn Goal Just Enough for Bulls
(1) RB Leipzig 1 – 0 Aue (17)
Goals: Leipzig: Frahn (55)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 11/4 Aue 18/7
Possession: Aue 52/48
Cautions: Leipzig: Judt (5), Willers (52), Rockenbach (53), Nestor (57), Sebastian (77), Bambara (90+2) Aue: Hofstetter (6)
Man of the Match: DR Loïc Nestor 7.7

Form: Kahriman 7.0, Nestor 7.7, Willers 7.6, Sebastian 7.6, Judt 7.1, Crimi 6.8, Bambara 6.8, Fandrich (sub 60) 6.4, Rockenbach 6.8, Frahn 7.0, Poulsen 7.1, Delura (on 60) 6.4

Nestor has his best game with us and ends up Man of the Match. Willers and Sebastian were fantastic in central defence, while Poulsen and Frahn linked up for the winning goal. Ten matches to go.

DL Juri Judt and DC Tim Sebastian will miss the next match after collecting 5 yellow cards each. Half the back four, ouch.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #25
Frahn Hurt Early, Leipzig Still Roll
(13) Mainz 1 – 4 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Mainz: Choupo-Moting (58) Leipzig: Franke (37, 73), Willers (44), Sreckovic (84)
Shots/On Target: Mainz 21/4, Leipzig 7/4
Possession: Mainz 66/34
Man of the Match: DC Fabian Franke 9.3

Form: Kahriman 6.9, Nestor 7.2, Willers 8.2, Franke 9.3, Jung 6.6, Crimi 6.9, Bambara 7.3, Rockenbach 9.0, Fandrich (sub 60) 6.4, Frahn (inj 25), Poulsen (sub 60) 6.2, Sreckovic (on 60) 7.2, Thomalla (on 25) 6.6, Delura (on 60) 6.8

Tobias Willers and Fabian Franke steal the game from the back with their set piece goals. Sreckovic finally averages over a 7 and gets a goal. The only worry is how badly Frahn is hurt.

Frahn Breaks Foot, Season Over
Leipzig hero Daniel Frahn suffered a broken foot after colliding with Mainz's Alexander Milosevic in the first half of their second division game. The break will keep Leipzig's leading scorer out for up to five months.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #26
Thomalla Steals Late Point
(15) Paderborn 2 – 2 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Paderborn: Nazário (1), Saglik (45+1) Leipzig: Fandrich (53), Thomalla (81)
Shots/On Target: Paderborn 15/5, Leipzig 12/7
Possession: Paderborn 62/38
Cautions: Paderborn: Ziegler (60), Maia (73), Gemiti (90) Leipzig: Rockenbach (35), Bambara (51), Judt (80)
Man of the Match: AMC Brino Nazário 9.0

Form: Kahriman 6.4, Nestor 6.4, Willers (sub 74) 6.2, Politevich 6.9, Judt 7.1, Crimi 7.0, Bambara (sub 74) 6.6, Fandrich 8.3, Rockenbach (sub 74) 6.4, Thomalla 7.6, Poulsen 6.6, Schulz (on 74) 6.8, Franke (on 74, inj 85) –, Sreckovic (on 74) 6.9

Thomalla pulls a late one back on a terrific header from Nenad Sreckovic's cross. This was a real struggle, down two goals at the half I was wondering if we'd get anything from it. Fandrich was excellent again.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #27
Poulsen In Control as Leipzig Roll
(1) RB Leipzig 5 – 2 Ingolstadt (2)
Goals: Leipzig: Crimi (5), Thomalla (32), Poulsen (43, 85, 90)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 16/9 Ingolstadt 8/5
Possession: Ingolstadt 59/41
Cautions: Ingolstadt: Cohen (54), Jessen (79)
Man of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen 9.6

Form: Kahriman 6.8, Nestor 7.3, Willers 6.2, Politevich 7.1, Judt 7.2, Crimi 7.8, Bambara 7.1, Fandrich 7.7, Rockenbach (sub 45) 6.6, Poulsen 9.6, Thomalla 8.4, Sreckovic (on 45) 6.5

Poulsen gets his first hat trick with the club in a dominating performance. He also added an assist. Thomalla was impressive in Daniel Frahn's stead once more. The new signings, save for Sreckovic are adapting well.

DM Moise Bambara has suffered an ankle twist and will miss up to three weeks.

Poulsen Wants Out
Yussuf Poulsen has stated his desire to move to a bigger club. I try and say we want to match his ambitions, but the graying 20 year-old stated he can't wait that long. We'll try and get as much as we can for him in the summer if Bundesliga football isn't big enough for him.

March Review
We've guaranteed ourselves a playoff place at the very least. Our massive result over Ingolstadt pushed them to third, 17 points off our pace, while Augsburg takes over second, 16 back with 51.

Through 27 matches we have 20 wins and 7 draws. It is looking increasingly likely that we will be plying our trade against the biggest clubs in Germany next year.

Top Players -
1. DC Tobias Willers: 26 apps, 4 goals, 3.68 tackles/90', 3 PoM, 7.28
2. AMR Clemens Fandrich: 22 apps, 9 goals, 6 assists, 2.66 dribbles/90', 4 PoM, 7.27
3. ST Daniel Frahn: 26 apps, 16 goals, 6 assists, 3 PoM, 7.22

[Grover]

April 2015
Board Confidence
The board is absolutely delighted with the way the team has been led. We turned a profit of over £1M last month.

We have rejected a bid of £1.9M plus a future sale fee for Yussuf Poulsen from FC København.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #28
Thomalla Goal is the Difference
(1) RB Leipzig 1 – 0 Dresden
Goals: Leipzig: Thomalla (18)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 3/2 Dresden 19/8
Possession: Dresden 62/38
Cautions: Leipzig: Politevich (45+1), Judt (78)
Man of the Match: DC Tim Sebastian 7.7

Form: Kahriman 6.7, Nestor 7.3, Willers 7.2, Sebastian 7.7, Judt 7.2, Crimi 6.7, Politevich 6.7, Fandrich 6.2, Rockenbach 6.5, Poulsen 7.1, Thomalla 7.1

We open the month with a routine victory. We're terrible in possession, nick a goal in the counter attack and defend like dogs the rest of the way.

Am I Jose Mourinho?

LEIPZIG WIN PROMOTION
We have won promotion to the Bundesliga with 6 matches remaining.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #29
Feick Steals Point From Bulls
(10) Karlsruhe 1 – 1 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Karslruhe: Feick (65) Leipzig: Poulsen (50)
Shots/On Target: Karlsruhe 14/4 Leipzig 13/3
Possession: Karlsruhe 54/46
Cautions: Karlsruhe: Klingmann (85) Leipzig: Willers (43), Judt (87), Sebastian (90+3)
Man of the Match: DM Arne Feick 7.8

Form: Kahriman 6.4, Nestor 7.2, Willers 6.8, Sebastian 6.8, Judt 7.8, Crimi 7.0, Politevich 7.0, Fandrich (sub 61) 6.5, Rockenbach (sub 61) 6.4, Poulsen 7.0, Thomalla 6.9, Sreckovic (on 61) 6.6, Delura (on 61) 6.0

RASENBALLSPORT LEIPZIG WIN 2.BUNDESLIGA!
With their draw against Karlsruhe, RasenballSport Leipzig has won their second consecutive league title and will now move to the Bundesliga for the 2015-16 season.

The real challenge of managing this club begins in about a month when the season ends. Reinforcing the squad and bring in some quality new faces will be the priority. For now, this is a fantastic achievement and allows us to continue moving in the forward direction the club started in 2009.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #30
Champions Rout Augsburg in Comeback Win
(2) Augsburg 2 – 5 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Augsburg: Vogt (26), Werner (68) Leipzig: Willers (47), Manninger (o.g. 51), Rockenbach (63), Thomally (79, 80)
Shots/On Target: Augsburg 15/7 Leipzig 15/8
Possession: Augsburg 61/39
Cautions: Augsburg: Werner (44) Leipzig: Judt (42)
Man of the Match: AML Thiago Rockenbach 8.8

Form: Kahriman 6.7, Nestor 8.2, Willers 8.3, Sebastian 7.5, Judt 8.1, Crimi 6.5, Politevich 8.2, Fandrich 6.8, Rockenbach 8.8, Thomally 8.8, Poulsen 7.5

Once the own goal came, we were off. Rockenbach with a goal and assist, Thomalla scores two in the span of 45 seconds. Poulsen has an assist, he'll continue to be in the shop window. A very good win over the second place team.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #31
Rockenbach Blast Saves The Victory
(1) RB Leipzig 3 – 2 Cottbus (10)
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (3, 61), Rockenbach (87) Cottbus: Takyi (11), Mosquera (64)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 13/7 Cottbus 5/4
Possession: Cottbus 53/47
Cautions: Leipzig: Judt (27) Cottbus: Streker (88)
Man of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen 8.8

Form: Kahriman 6.6, Nestor 7.7, Willers (sub 59) 6.3, Politevich 6.8, Judt (sub 59) 6.4, Crimi 7.1, Bambara 7.0, Fandrich 7.9, Rockenbach 7.7, Poulsen 8.8, Thomalla 6.8, Jung (on 59) 5.9, Sebastian (on 59) 6.6

With the win we have set the 2.Bundesliga record for points. Hertha BSC had 76, we currently have 77 with three matches remaining.

German Cup Semi Final
Rockenbach and Roll! Brazilian Inspires Two Goal Comeback, Books Cup Final Place
RB Leipzig 4 – 2 Freiburg (Extra Time)
Goals: Leipzig: Rosenbach (80, pen 85, 94), Delura (105+1) Freiburg: Schmid (34), Guidetti (pen 74)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 15/7 Freiburg 23/6
Possession: Freiburg 59/41
Cautions: Leipzig: Judt (19), Politevich (55) Freiburg: Baumann (2), Fernandes (30)
Man of the Match: AML Thiago Rockenbach 9.6

Form: Kahriman 6.6, Nestor (inj 88) 6.6, Willers 7.6, Sebastian 7.1, Judt 8.0, Crimi 7.0, Politevich (sub 57) 6.1, Fandrich (sub 86) 6.4, Rockenbach 9.6, Poulsen 8.5, Thomalla 7.3, Müller (on 88) 7.1, Schulz (on 57) 6.6, Delura (on 86) 7.2

Holy crap! What a performance from Rockenbach! A hat trick and an assist. He completely dominated from the moment he scored his first goal. We looked dead in the water for long stretches of this match and bang! We came alive.

Poulsen adds two assists, Thomalla had an assist as well.

We have been given a whopping £1.51M for the victory. The match was also on television, fro which we received £600K for. Not a bad haul for this small, but growing club.

The match was a record attendance of 40,811.

Interestingly enough, we will face Stuttgart in the DFB Pokal final. In August 2013 we met Stuttgart in the first round of the German Cup and drew them 3-3 through 120 minutes. We lost on penalties 3-0, making it the only 'loss' this club has suffered under the command of Florek Tomczak. However, the penalty loss is considered a draw and our unbeaten streak is currently at 75 matches.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #32
Leipzig Cling on for Draw
(11) Bochum 1 – 1 Leipzig (1)
Goals: Bochum: Ilsø (pen 75) Leipzig: Holthaus (o.g. 46)
Shots/On Target: Bochum 18/9 Leipzig 5/1
Possession: Leipzig 51/49
Cautions: Leipzig: Kaiser (12)
Man of the Match: GK Damir Kahriman 9.1

Form: Kahriman 9.1, Müller 7.5, Hoheneder 6.4, Politevich 6.8, Jung 6.7, Kaiser (sub 60) 6.7, Bombara 6.7, Fandrich 6.6, Luge 6.7, Delura (sub 60) 6.4, Poulsen 6.8, Schulz (on 60) 6.7, Thomalla (on 60) 6.6

It's no surprise our worst games exactly 36 hours after we beat Freiburg in 120 minutes. Kahriman was outstanding. Probably would have been a 10 rating if he saved the penalty. The rare beast has been seen tonight. We held a 51/49 edge in possession.

Bambara Out Until November
Bad news ahead of the DFB Polak final, our summer and heading into the middle of next season DM Moise Bambara is suffering from knee tendonitis and will miss 6-7 months. We realistically may not get him back until after the winter break.

April Review
We clinch promotion and the league for the second year running. We've reached the DFB Pokal final. Our first chance at cup success. We've suffered major injuries to two of our most influential players in consecutive months. We've managed to succeed without Frahn, who will step up in the absence of Bambara?

Top Players -
1. DC Tobias Willers: 31 apps, 5 goals, 3.47 tackles/90', 3 PoM, 7.28
2. ST Daniel Frahn: 26 apps, 16 goals, 6 assists, 3 PoM, 7.22
3. ST Yussuf Poulsen: 36 apps, 15 goals, 14 assists, 3 PoM, 7.18

[Grover]

May 2015
2.Bundesliga Match Day #33
Poulsen Runs Second Half, Nets Winner
(1) RB Leipzig 2 – 1 Halle (18)
Goals: Leipzig: Rockenbach (pen 28), Poulsen (59) Halle: Schnellhardt (45)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 21/7 Halle 4/4
Possession: Leipzig 51/49
Cautions: Halle: Lachheb (40), Ziebig (60)
Man of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen 7.4

Form: Kahriman 6.7, Nestor 6.8, Willers 7.1, Sebastian 6.7, Judt 7.1, Crimi 6.9, Politevich 7.2, Fandrich 6.8, Rockenbach 7.2, Thomalla 6.8, Poulsen 7.4

Halle has already been relegated, so we should be winning this. We win the possession battle for a second straight match.

2.Bundesliga Match Day #34
Bulls Invincible Once Again
(12) Düsseldorf 1 – 3 RB Leipzig (1)
Goals: Düsseldorf: Yabo (5) Leipzig: Crimi (18), Poulsen (45+2, 87)
Shots/On Target: Düsseldorf 15/7, Leipzig 12/5
Possession: Düsseldorf 53/47
Man of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen 8.8

Form: Kahriman 6.7, Nestor 8.0, Willers 7.4, Sebastian 7.7, Judt (sub 72) 6.4, Crimi 8.3, Politevich 7.1, Fandrich 6.9, Rockenbach 6.8, Thomalla (sub 72) 6.4, Poulsen 8.8, Delura (on 72) 6.7, Jung (on 72) 6.7

Another undefeated season.

The club has been given £9.33M for achieving first place.

[Grover]

May 2015
Tomczak Wins Head Coach Award
Florek Tomczak has been named Manager of the Year in 2.Bundesliga.

DC Tobias Willers was named to the Team of the Year.

2014-15 DFB Pokal Final
RB Leipzig v. Stuttgart
Live from Olympiastadion, Berlin

RB Leipzig (4-2-4): Kahriman, Judt, Sebastian, Willers ( C ), Nestor, Politevich, Crimi, Rockenbach, Fandrich, Poulsen, Thomalla

Stuttgart (4-2-3-1): Ulreich, Schmelzer, Heintz, Wollscheid, Correia, Kvist ( C ), Leitner, Gentner, Maxim, Rojas, Werner

We are in our blues, Stuttgart is in all white.

10 – With ten minutes gone, it has been Stuttgart impressing on the ball while we wait for an opportunity to counter. Crimi and Judt have made a couple of goal-saving tackles. We look assured and confident at the back.

18 – Willers tackles the ball away from Werner after the Stuttgart forward got behind the back four.

23 – Judt tackle-passes to Poulsen who rushes in on Ulreich and hits the post! The ball comes out the other side and the onrushing Denis Thomalla is able to place into the open goal! 1-0 RB Leipzig

38 – Nestor has taken a knock, we'll keep the fullback on as long as we can.

42 – Rojas goes down rather easy in the Leipzig area and a appeals for a penalty. He is denied.

44 – Ulreich makes an excellent save on Poulsen to force a corner, then saves again as Willers heads the corner straight at the Stuttgart keeper.

45 – We've got a slim lead at the half. Thomalla and Poulsen have been our best players, getting on the end of chances when they've had the opportunity. We'll need to press for another goal to have any ense of comfort about our lead.

52 – Stuttgart work the ball into the area, Rojas, Werner and Kvist exchange pases before Rojas sends a shot fizzing past the far post.

58 – Poulsen has a chance from 20 yards bet sends the shot wayward.

61 – Schulz, Delura and Müller come on for Politevich, Nestor and Fandrich.

70 – Kahriman continues to perform solidly in goal. He's been tested with a number of crosses and high balls.

76 – Delura forces a corner from Didavi's point-blank shot. Delura then wins the ball back and races down the right before winning a throw-in that comes to nothing.

85 – Wollschied pulls Delura down from behind and earns a second yellow card! Stuttgart are down to ten men.

87 – Juri Judt picks up a second yellow for Leipzig and he is sent off!

90 – Three minutes of extra time. The anticipation is building...

90+3 – Stuttgart's Didavi puts a shot on goal that Kahriman deflects. A second shot comes in from the right and fizzes to the left corner. The referee checks his watch and blows the whistle.

LEIPZIG WIN DFB POKAL! CELEBRATE THE DOUBLE!

RB Leipzig 1 – 0 Stuttgart
Goals: Leipzig: Thomalla (23)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 10/6 Stuttgart 16/4
Possession: Stuttgart 61/39
Cautions: Leipzig: Nestor (32), Judt (45+2, red 87), Willers (61) Stuttgart: Heintz (39), Wollscheid (82, red 85)
Man of the Match: DL Juri Judt 7.4

Form: Kahriman 6.8, Nestor (sub 61) 7.0, Crimi 7.2, Sebastian 7.2, Willers 7.3, Judt (red 87) 7.4, Politevich (sub 61) 6.5, Fandrich (sub 61) 6.6, Rockenbach 6.9, Thomalla 7.1, Poulsen 6.6, Schulz (on 61) 6.7, Delura (on 61) 6.6, Müller (on 61) 6.6

We've won the league and the DFB Pokal – the German Cup. Unbelievable season all around.

We have been awarded £1.72M for the victory.

LEIPZIG IN EUROPE?
YES! RasenballSport Leipzig have qualified for the 2015 Europa League after winning the DFB Pokal. We will enter the competition at the group stage.

My oh my, what a surprise.

End of Season Confidence
The board is absolutely delighted with my performance at the club. The club's performance in competitions entered this season was exceptionally good. The team's fantastic overall performance in the 2.Bundesliga has been a particular highlight. Additionally, the signings made this season have proved successful. The fans are delighted with the signing of DM Marco Crimi.

[Grover]

The 2015 Pre-Season
Team Approaches
I have interview offers from Everton, Mallorca and Wolfsburg all before June 1.

June – Board Confidence
The board is delighted. We are going to be competing in Europe, who knew? And now have to play by financial fair play rules. We should be fine. Not sure what we'll get for a budget, but we have some holes to fill.

June Interview Offers
Portuguese side Braga asked for an interview on June 3. Bundesliga side Gladbach asked on June 20. Montpellier asked on June 21. CSKA Moscow on June 22. Fiorentina and Rubin Kazan ask on June 24. Liverpool and Arsenal on June 25. Celta on June 26. Crystal Palace and Union Berlin on June 28. Siena and Torino on June 29.

June News
ST Yussuf Poulsen gets his first cap for Denmark, and scores a goal.

We have signed a new 4 year kit-sponsorship worth £1.6M per year.

We have been given a payroll of £350,000 and a transfer budget of £8.03M.

We have been given £9.29M for Bundesliga television rights.

June Friendlies
RB Leipzig 2 – 2 FC København

Players Released
We have released Niklas Hoheneder, Michael Delura, Thiago Rockenbach, Henrik Ernst, Benjamin Bellot, Fabian Franke, Tom Nattermann and Erich Pickel.

July – Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the way the team is lead. This includes the tight control of payroll. However, they are slightly disappointed with Thiago Rockenbach's departure.

July Interview Offers
Bologna offer on July 1. Napoli offer on July 2. Swansea offer on July 7. Feyenoord offer on July 8. Blackburn Rovers approach on July 16.

July News
The club have announced a new 4 year sponsorship worth £130K per year.

July Friendlies
RB Leipzig 1 – 3 Monterrey
RB Leipzig 2 – 1 Zürich
Bielefeld 0 – 3 RB Leipzig
Racing Colombes 3 – 1 RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig 1 – 1 Braga
RB Leipzig 3 - 1 Cardiff
Aviron Bayonnais 3 – 0 RB Leipzig
Stade Lavallois 1 – 3 RB Leipzig

July Signings
DC Zsombor Klein, 19, Hungary, £1.3M
Our first signing is in from Videoton We want to go young and bring players along “the right way.” We may be a bit of a feeder club for awhile, but that will change with success. Klein has tremendous potential. He is quite slow, but his an excellent marker and has an unparalleled workrate. He could turn into a strong player who could be especially dangerous on attacking set-pieces.

We have loaned Klein back to Videoton for the season.

Spoiler

DM Gustavo Oyenard, 18, Uruguay, £1.3M
Our second signing comes from Uruguay and the club Peñarol. Oyenard is currently a natural DC, but by looking at him, I feel he will project better as DM. His lack of strength and jumping ability, he can also move the ball a bit.

Spoiler

AML Joãozinho, 26, Brazil, £4.4M
With the departure of Rockenbach, we needed a new left winger. And ideally, we will find another right winger. Joãozinho is quick and is very solid across the board. He's going to be a very good player for us. Maybe the best overall player we have on the team now.

Spoiler

GK Oliver Baumann, 25, Germany, Free
With the injury to Damir Kahriman, I decide to look for another goalkeeper. Instead of a short-term or backup option, I find an honest-to-goodness first team type player. Baumann is our highest paid player now, but I think he'll be worth the investment.

Spoiler

German Super Cup
Bulls Lift Super Cup
RB Leipzig 2 – 1 Leverkusen
Goals: Leipzig: Bender (o.g. 19), Poulsen (57) Leverkusen: Bender (81)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 7/4 Leverkusen 19/11
Possession: Leverkusen 66/34
Cautions: Leipzig: Politevich (3), Crimi (42), Judt (51), Nestor (90+1)
Man of the Match: DC Sergey Politevich 8.1

Form: Kahriman 7.9, Nestor 6.0, Willers 7.2, Politevich 8.1, Judt 7.6, Crimi 6.9, Oyenard 6.8, Poulsen 6.9, Joãozinho 6.8, Fandrich (sub 64) 6.6, Thomalla 6.4, Frahn (on 64) 6.6

It may be a glorified friendly, but it was on television against a top four Bundesliga side. It's another trophy for the mantle.

The club received £1.05M for the win

Kahriman Injured
GK Damir Kahriman has pulled a hamstring and will miss 4-5 weeks.

[Alf]

I'd take a glorified friendly win for £1m

[Grover]

August 2015
Board Confidence
The board has expressed their delight. A major factor has been the increase in club stature since my arrival in June 2013. They are still disappointed with the loss of Rockenbach.

August Signings
AMR Prince Segbefia, 24, Togo, Free
We've needed depth at the position and we're fortunate he's accepted the offer on August 2. His decisions and composure are the only things that really bother me about what he can do. He's very nice physically and should be able to beat defenders.

Spoiler

AML Thiago Rockenbach, 30, Free
The board and fans were disappointed he left. He was still available on a free. He is back.

DFB Pokal (First Round)
Leipzig in Cruise Control
Stern Misburg 0 – 4 RB Leipzig
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (23), Fandrich (36), Politevich (46), Oyenard (53)
Shots/On Target: Misburg 3/1 Leipzig 22/10
Possession: Leipzig 63/37
Cautions: Misburg: Schultz (20) Leipzig: Willers (33)
Man of the Match: DC Sergey Politevic 8.9

Form: Baumann 6.9, Nestor 8.4, Politevich 8.9, Willers (sub 60) 7.5, Jung 7.8, Crimi (sub 60) 7.5, Oyenard 8.1, Fandrich (sub 60) 8.1, Joãozinho 8.5, Frahn 8.0, Poulsen 8.2, Schulz (on 60) 6.8, Sebastian (on 60) 6.7, Segbefia (on 60) 6.7

Routine win over a far inferior squad. Politevich and Nestor dominate at the back. Frahn had two assists, Joãozinho was everywhere, so was Oyenard. The new signings looked good while they played. It's a fine start, but the real beginning is later in the week.

We have received £86.41K for the win.

Bundesliga Match Day #1
Leipzig Open Bundesliga Season With Shock Rout
Schalke 0 – 3 RB Leipzig
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (16), Joãozinho (36), Willers (82)
Shots/On Target: Schalke 13/6, Leipzig 7/5
Possession: Schalke 56/44
Cautions: Schalke: Kirchhoff (27), Montoya (40)
Man of the Match: DC Tobias Willers 9.2

Form: Baumann 6.7, Nestor 7.9, Willers 9.2, Oyenard 7.9, Judt 8.6, Crimi 8.0, Politevich (sub 81) 7.4, Fandrich (sub 58) 6.4, Joãozinho 8.0, Frahn (sub 58) 6.6, Poulsen 8.3, Kaiser (on 81) –, Segbefia (on 58) 6.6, Thomalla (on 58) 6.7

We focused on set-pieces leading up to the match and it paid off in spades. Poulsen's goal was the result of confusion after a corner, he jumped on the loose ball and smashed it home. Willers had his typical far post header from a corner. We looked very good when we had the ball. Oyenard and Politevich have a nice thing going where they can switch between DM and DC, it's like switching from a 4-2-4 to a 3-3-4 when we've got the ball. Poulsen, Judt, Crimi, Nestor and Joãozinho were all very good today

Ticket Sales
The club have announced the sale of 4,962 season tickets. Up from 3,597 last year.

Bundesliga Match Day #2
Baumann Stars, Steals Three Points
RB Leipzig 1 – 0 Union Berlin
Goals: Leipzig: Joãozinho (25)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 10/3 Berlin 19/9
Possession: Berlin 56/44
Cautions: Berlin: Stuff (90+2)
Man of the Match: GK Oliver Baumann 8.1

Form: Baumann 8.1, Willers 7.2, Nestor (sub 64) 6.3, Politevich 6.8, Judt (sub 64) 6.3, Crimi 7.0, Oyenard 6.6, Fandrich 6.8, Joãozinho 7.1, Frahn (inj 64) 6.8, Poulsen 6.8, Sebastian (on 64) 6.9, Jung (on 64) 6.8, Thomalla (on 64) 6.7

Not a great performance to be fair, but Baumann was outstanding. Joãozinho scores in his second straight league match. He's proving to be a shrewd signing off the transfer list. I still feel like I could use some help at the back or at DM, but time is short and so is money.

Frahn Injury
ST Daniel Frahn will miss 3-4 weeks with a twisted knee. We may need another forward.

Bundesliga Match Day #3
Nestor Atones For Penalty With Screamer of a Goal
Hertha BSC 2 – 2 RB Leipzig
Goals: Herth: Geis (24, pen 51) Leipzig: Fandrich (1), Nestor (62)
Shots/On Target: Hertha 6/3 Leipzig 10/5
Possession: Hertha 51/49
Cautions: Hertha: Brooks (65) Leipzig: Judt (30), Politevich (90+3)
Man of the Match: MC Johannes Geis 8.8

Form: Baumann 6.4, Nestor 8.2, Willers 6.6, Politevich 6.8, Judt (sub 64), Crimi (sub 64), Oyenard, Fandrich, Joãozinho 7.6, Thomalla 6.4, Poulsen 5.9, Schulz (on 65) 6.7, Jung (on 64) 6.8

We were very, very poor for long stretches of the game. Joãozinho played in a fantastic pass off the opening kick for Fandrich to score. The back four was in shambles, culminating in Nestor's conceded penalty that put us down. However, he received the ball at the top of the box from Fandrich and blasted it into the top of goal. It was brilliant and it was a point.

We have now been unbeaten in 84 games, dating back to July 20, 2013.

Loïc Nestor was named to the Bundesliga Team of the Week.

Luge Moves to Sandhausen
Left midfielder Andre Luge will join Sandhausen on a season long loan deal. With the addition of Joãozinho, Luge became expendable.

Europa League Draw
We have been awarded £1.09M for playing in the Europa League group stages.

We have been drawn in Group F with A.C. Milan, Liverpool and BATE Borisov.

Ouch.

Bundesliga Match Day #4
Bulls Ease to Decisive Victory
RB Leipzig 3 – 0 Köln
Goals: Leipzig: Politevich (pen 17), Poulsen (32), Rybacki (66)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 10/6, Köln 8/1
Possession: Köln 53/47
Cautions: Leipzig: Oyenard (21), Fandrich (78) Köln: Brecko (41), Weilandt (75)
Man of the Match: AML Joãozinho 8.8

Form: Baumann 6.9, Nestor 8.3, Willers 7.3, Politevich 8.0, Judt 8.2, Crimi 7.0, Oyenard (sub 68) 6.8, Fandrich 7.8, Joãozinho 8.8, Thomalla (sub 49) 6.5, Schulz (on 68) 6.7, Rybacki (on 49) 7.1

It started off well with the penalty earned by Joãozinho, followed by Poulsen's terrific flicked header for the second. Rybacki scored his first goal for the club on his debut and we finish up an outstanding August.

Transfer Deadline Day
We sign a deal with Flávio Augusto from Atlético Goianiense in Brazil. The 21 year-old forward joins on a free, but not until January 1, 2016.

[Grover]

September 2015
Board Confidence
To summarize, the board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. The capture of Joãozinho has been particularly pleasing. The supporters are thrilled with his play.

However, some of those fans have voiced their concerns over the performances of Denis Thomalla.

Bambara Back
Moise Bambara has returned to light training after missing forever and a day. He's expected to be back in full training by the latter third of the month.

Frahn Back
Daniel Frahn has returned to full training after recovering from a twisted knee.

Bundesliga Match Day #5
Battling Leipzig Hang on for Draw
Leverkusen 1 – 1 RB Leipzig
Goals: Leverkusen: Larsen (30) Leipzig: Nestor (5)
Shots/On Target: Leverkusen 18/4, Leipzig 12/5
Possession: Leverkusen 57/43
Cautions: Leverkusen: Thesker (15), Donati (45+1) Leipzig: Judt (30), Oyenard (40), Sebastian (75), Nestor (90)
Man of the Match: DR Loïc Nestor 8.3

Form: Baumann 6.1, Nestor 8.3, Willers (sub 68) 6.4, Politevich 6.8, Judt 6.8, Crimi 6.8, Oyenard 6.9, Fandrich 6.7, Joãozinho 6.3, Frahn 6.6, Poulsen 6.8, Sebastian (on 68) 6.8

We went off on a flyer, Crimi took possession and saw Nestor coming ahead to his right. He slides the pass to the fullback and Nestor blasted it by Leno. After that it was all Leverkusen, but the lads dug in and held on. We're off to a great start in the Bundesliga.

Nestor was named to Team of the Week for his performance.

Europa League Group F Match Day #1
Poulsen Leads Leipzig to Well Earned Point
AC Milan 2 – 2 RB Leipzig
Goals: Milan: Balotelli (22), Cerci (84) Leipzig: Poulsen (3), Segbefia (78)
Shots/On Target: Milan 20/11 Leipzig 9/4
Possession: Milan 58/42
Cautions: Milan: Poli (54), Vrsaljko (59), Vilà (75) Leipzig: Politevich (11), Jung (90+1)
Man of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen 8.3

Form: Baumann 6.9, Nestor 6.6, Willers 6.8, Politevich 7.1, Judt (sub 59) 6.4, Crimi 6.7, Oyenard 6.9, Fandrich (sub 59) 6.3, Joãozinho 7.3, Thomalla (sub 59) 6.3, Poulsen 8.3, Jung (on 59) 6.5, Segbefia (on 59) 7.2, Frahn (on 59) 6.5

Wow. Once again, we scored quick and then quickly had to hang on as Milan came full force. Joãozinho is proving to be our best signing ever, he assisted on both goals. Segbefia scored his first and it couldn't have come at a better time. We held on for the draw and took a very unexpected result from the big Italian side.

We receive £84.52K for the draw.

Bundesliga Match Day #6
Leipzig Earn Draw, Run Continues
(6) RB Leipzig 1 – 1 Wolfsburg (9)
Goals: Leipzig: Thomalla (64) Wolfsburg: Gunnarsson (73)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 7/3 Wolfsburg 10/4
Possession: Wolfsburg 60/40
Man of the Match: DL Hiroki Sakai 7.3

Form: Baumann 6.6, Nestor 6.5, Willers 6.7, Sebastian 7.2, Judt 7.3, Schulz 6.7, Oyenard 6.6, Fandrich (sub 55) 6.7, Joãozinho 6.6, Frahn 6.8, Poulsen (sub 55) 6.4, Segbefia 6.5, Thomalla 7.1

We did not play particularly well at all today, but on short rest after a trip to Italy we manage to hold on for a point. Thomalla came on and made a huge difference for us, getting on the end of Frahn's neat lob pass to place a shot past Benaglio. Politevich and Crimi were given the day off to rest. We're still unbeaten and that's important.

We get the Monday off, and are right back in action on Tuesday. One day between games, have got to love it.

DFB Pokal Second Round
Die Bullen Sneak By Plucky Osna
Osnabrück 1 – 2 RB Leipzig
Goals: Osna: Kühne (72) Leipzig: Willers (45+2), Poulsen (86)
Shots/On Target: Osna: 6/2, Leipzig 13/6
Possession: Osna 55/45
Cautions: Leipzig: Jung (68), Crimi (74)
Man of the Match: DC Tobias Willers 7.8

Form: Baumann 6.8, Müller 5.3, Willers 7.8, Politevich 7.2, Jung 5.8, Kaiser 7.1, Crimi 6.8, Segbefia 6.9, Joãozinho 6.7, Thomalla 6.5, Poulsen 7.2

The club has been awarded £216K for the victory. There's not much else to say about this match. We played poorly and were lucky to come away with the win.

Crimi Signs New Deal
We have signed 25 year-old DM Marco Crimi to a three year deal worth £3M.

DFB Pokal Draw
We will face Eintracht Frankfurt in the DFB Pokal Third Round. We'll be traveling to Frankfurt and the match won't be played until the beginning of December.

Bundesliga Match Day #7
Leipzig Dig in for Scoreless Draw
(4) HSV 0 – 0 RB Leipzig (7)
Shots/On Target: HSV 13/1 Leipzig 6/3
Possession: HSV 66/34
Man of the Match: DL Juri Judt 7.9

Form: Baumann 6.7, Nestor 6.7, Willers 7.4, Politevich 6.7, Judt 7.9, Crimi 6.8, Oyenard 6.7, Fandrich 6.6, Joãozinho (sub 64) 6.3, Frahn 6.5, Poulsen (sub 54) 6.9, Rockenbach (on 64) 6.7, Rybacki (on 64) 6.6

Completely and utterly dominated, even though we had the best chances on goal. We defended brilliantly time and time again as HSV struggled to make their shots from long range. A good draw against a top level Bundesliga squad. We're still fighting this possession problem though.

We are now considered to be unbeaten in 90 games dating back to July 20, 2013.

Van Aanholt Agrees Deal
We have signed left fullback Patrick van Aanholt to a contract running through June 2018. The 25 year old Dutchman came up with PSV before a move to Chelsea and was released without ever making a single appearance for the Blues. He plays best as a Complete Wing Back, which fits us quite well. He's a decent player overall, but will need to get back to match fitness before having any hope of ousting Juri Judt from the starting XI.

Spoiler

Top Players -
1. DC Sergey Politevich: 10 apps, 2 goals, 1 assist, 4.04 tackles/90', 2 Man of Match, 7.38
2. DR Loïc Nestor: 10 apps, 2 goals, 4.84 tackles/90', 1 Man of Match, 7.32
3. DC Tobias Willers: 11 apps, 2 goals, 3.55 tackles/90', 2 Man of Match, 7.28

[Grover]

October 2015
Board Confidence
The board is still delighted, mostly because of the huge increase in stature. However, there are concerns over Denis Thomalla's performances. Which is fine, he hasn't started since Frahn came back and we've been using Rybacki as the third forward.

Europa League Group F Match Day #2
Heartbreak for Die Bullen as End Runs at 90
RB Leipzig 0 – 1 Liverpool
Goals: Liverpool: Skrtel (90)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 3/1, Liverpool 17/5
Possession: Liverpool 54/46
Cautions: Leipzig: Crimi (15)
Man of the Match: DC Martin Skrtel 8.0

Form: Baumann 6.7, Nestor 7.0, Willers 7.3, Crimi (sub 6.7) 6.6, Jung 6.8, Politevich 7.4, Oyenard 6.7, Segbefia 6.5, Joãozinho (sub 67) 6.3, Frahn 6.5, Poulsen 6.5, Sebastian (on 83) –, Schulz (on 67, inj 83) 6.8, Fandrich (on 67) 6.6

Honestly, I have no complaints about this loss. We were outplayed in every facet, this Liverpool team was the best squad we have faced since this dynasty began. We were unlucky to lose to a 90th minute goal, but that's football. We have to beat BATE twice if we hope to have any chance of advancing out of this group.

We play Stuttgart in three days, so rest will be short.

Schulz Injured
Bastian Schulz suffered a twisted ankle after coming on as a sub. He'll miss 4-5 weeks.

Bundesliga Match Day #8
Politevich Leads From the Back as Leipzig Cruise
(7) RB Leipzig 3 – 0 Stuttgart (13)
Goals: Leipzig: Politevich (7), Poulsen (47), Thomalla (80)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 8/4, Stuttgart 16/7
Possession: Stuttgart 58/42
Man of the Match: DC Sergey Politevich 8.5

Form: Baumann 7.4, Crimi 7.8, Sebastian 8.0, Politevich (sub 80) 8.5, van Aanholt 7.1, Oyenard (sub 59) 6.7, Kaiser 7.2, Fandrich 7.3, Joãozinho 7.9, Frahn (sub 59) 6.8, Poulsen 7.7, Jung (on 80) –, Segbefia (on 59) 6.7, Thomalla (on 59) 7.2

Ah, Stuttgart. The first Bundesliga side we ever faced, way back in August 2013. Their young forward, Mohammad Abdellaoue had a truly remarkable first half. Around the 20' mark he had a penalty attempt saved by Oliver Baumann. He then had a shot inside the six yard box, with Baumann going the wrong way, fizz wide of the opposite post. Once again, he got in minutes later and worked a weak shot wide of goal. Finally, just before half, he broke in again, but Baumann made a brilliant parry to deny him.

Baumann and Politevich were excellent. Crimi played at right back and deputised very well. Van Aanholt made his debut and was solid, but a bit tired by the end of it. He's going to be very good for us I can feel. An important win for us here. I was concerned this could have been a trap game after the tough loss to Liverpool, but the team regrouped well. We're still struggling for possession though.

Now a well-deserved two week international break before our next match, at Werder Bremen.

GK Oliver Baumann, DC Sergey Politevich, DM Marco Crimi (selected at DR) and AML Joãozinho were named to the Bundesliga Team of the Week.

Poulsen Signs New Deal
Forward Yussuf Poulsen has signed a new 3 year deal worth £4M. Poulsen is said to be delighted to be able to continue working under Florek Tomczak due to his admiration for the club manager.

Segbefia Can't Settle
It seems as if newly signed AMR Prince Segbefia is having trouble settling in Germany. Could it be because he only has two starts and five substitute appearances? Either way, we'll look to sell him off in January. We signed him on a free, so at least he'll be all profit.

Bundesliga Match Day #9
Poulsen Nets Hat Trick, Die Bullen Trample Bremen
(7) Werder Bremen 1 – 5 RB Leipzig (5)
Goals: Bremen: Joseph-Monrose (18) Leipzig: Nestor (21), Poulsen (47, 62, 78), Frahn (90)
Shots/On Target: Bremen: 10/5 Leipzig: 14/9
Possession: Bremen 60/40
Cautions: Leipzig: Crimi (15)
Man of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen 9.7

Form: Baumann 7.4, Crimi 8.0, Willers 7.7, Politevich 8.1, van Aanholt 7.9, Fandrich (sub 63) 7.0, Oyenard (sub 63) 6.6, Nestor (inj 84) 8.2, Joãozinho 8.9, Frahn 8.4, Poulsen 9.7, Kaiser (on 63) 6.7, Morys (on 84) –, Segbefia (on 63) 6.9

We may struggle with winning the possession battle for eternity, but when a team can counterattack like ours can, who cares? Poulsen immediately begins to pay dividends just a week after signing a new contract with a hat trick and an assist. Five unanswered goals after going down 1-0, fantastic victory. We have responded to the Liverpool loss magnificently. Also, lucky for us, Nestor's injury was not serious and he won't miss any significant time.

Daniel Frahn scored his first goal of the season and his first in over 11 hours of football.

Player News
ST Yussuf Poulsen was named Bundesliga Player of the Week.

Loïc Nestor, Sergey Politevich and Yussuf Poulsen were named to the Bundesliga Team of the Week.

Toulouse Declined
I have declined the opportunity to speak with French Ligue 1 club Toulouse FC about their open manager position. They are 19th in the league, while I'm third in the Bundesliga. We'll stick it out in Germany.

Europa League Group F Match Day 3
Bulls Get First Taste of Victory in Europe
BATE 0 – 2 RB Leipzig
Goals: Leipzig: Frahn (31), Joãozinho (35)
Shots/On Target: BATE 14/9, Leipzig 8/4
Possession: BATE 52/48
Cautions: Leipzig: Judt (73), Jung (75), Oyenard (77), Segbefia (89)
Man of the Match: AML Joãozinho 8.0

Form: Baumann 7.6, Crimi (sub 60) 6.8, Willers 6.8, Sebastian 7.5, Judt 7.2, Bambara 6.7, Oyenard 6.6, Segbefia 6.6, Joãozinho 8.0, Frahn (sub 60) 7.3, Poulsen 7.1, Jung (on 60) 6.6, Thomalla (on 60) 6.5

A solid win, our first ever abroad in meaningful competition. We got a bit chippy in the last 20 minutes trying to preserve the clean sheet, but it's a massive victory that puts us second in the group halfway through the fixture list.

We have been awarded £169K for the victory.

Bundesliga Match Day #10
Duarte's Late Own Goal Steals a Point for Leipzig
(3) RB Leipzig 2 – 2 Gladbach (10)
Goals: Leipzig: Frahn (74), Duarte o.g. (89) Gladbach: Kruse (4), Medojevic (58)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 10/4 Gladbach 10/4
Possession: Gladbach 61/39
Cautions: Leipzig: Willers (50), Nestor (60) Gladbach: Medojevic (73), Duarte (87)
Man of the Match: MC Slobodan Medojevic 7.7

Form: Baumann 6.8, Nestor 6.7, Willers 6.6, Politevich 7.0, van Aanholt 6.6, Crimi 6.8, Oyenard 6.4, Joãozinho (sub 83) 6.8, Fandrich 6.5, Frahn 7.1, Poulsen 5.9, Segbefia (on 83) –

We got lucky here. Very lucky. Deserved to lose with the way we performed in front of our own supporters.

My assistant was feeling that DM Gustavo Oyenard was a bit fatigued His recent performances have been dropping, and after speaking to the player himself we've agreed to give him our next match off.

Valencia Approach
I have declined an interview with La Liga side Valencia. They are currently sitting 19th in the Spanish league.

Stade Rennais Approach
I decline an interview request from Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais FC. The French outfit currently sits 19th in the top tier.

Bundesliga Match Day #11
Die Bullen Stay in Top 3 As October Ends
(16) Augsburg 0 – 2 RB Leipzig (3)
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (17), Sebastian (81)
Shots/On Target: Augusburg 9/3, Leipzig 12/4
Possession: 50/50
Cautions: Leipzig: Jung (73)
Man of the Match: DC Tobias Willers 7.7

Form: Baumann 6.7, Nestor (sub 70) 6.6, Willers 7.7, Sebastian 7.5, van Aanholt 7.4, Crimi (sub 70) 6.5, Politevich 7.3, Segbefia 6.8, Joãozinho (sub 70) 6.6, Frahn 7.5, Poulsen 7.2, Jung (on 70) 6.8, Kaiser (on 70) 6.7, Fandrich (on 70) 6.9

Even in possession! That's a bigger victory than actually winning. A solid way to end a pretty fantastic month, even if it began with that loss to Liverpool.

Top Players
1. DC Sergey Politevich: 15 apps, 3 goals, 1 assist, 4.06 tackles/90', 3 Man of Match, 7.47
2. AML Joãozinho: 17 apps, 3 goals, 11 assists, 2 Man of Match, 7.32
3. DC Tobias Willers: 16 apps, 2 goals, 3.50 tackles/90', 3 Man of Match, 7.26

[Grover]

November 2015
Board Confidence
Absolutely delighted, as always. Mostly because of how we're performing in the league. However, they are disappointed with the signing of Thiago Rockenbach. Which is right after they were pissed I let him go at the end of last season. Can't win with that one, apparently.

S.S. Lazio Approach
Bottom of the table clubs keep on calling, this time it's S.S. Lazio from Serie A. I decline the interview. We're pretty happy at Leipzig.

Europa League Group F Match Day #4
Can They Qualify? Leipzig Make Progress
RB Leipzig 2 - 1 BATE
Goals: Leipzig: Frahn (6, 21) BATE: Radzionau (16)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 15/6 BATE 4/1
Possession: Leipzig 56/44
Cautions: Leipzig: Crimi (90+4) BATE: Radzkov (13), Kurlovich (66)
Man of the Match: ST Daniel Frahn 8.8

Form: Baumann 6.7, Nestor 7.0, willers 6.9, Politevich 6.9, Judt 7.2, Crimi 6.9, Oyenard 6.8, Fandrich 7.0, Joãozinho 7.0, Frahn 8.8, Poulsen 6.7

We put a stranglehold on a second place with an incredibly important encounter with AC Milan in our next match. A simple draw with Milan would ensure we qualify for the knockout round. Daniel Frahn starred today with Poulsen and Joãozinho adding assists.

We have been awarded £169K for the victory.

Dinamo Moscow Approach
Another day, another chance to change jobs. I decline an interview with Dinamo Moscow, who currently sit 12th in the Russian Premier League.

Valenciennes Approach
I am a hot commodity in France, it would seem. Ligue 1 side Valenciennes, sitting 13th in the league, have been denied a request for an interview.

Bundesliga Match Day #12
Dominant Frankfurt Can't Break Down Bulls
(2) RB Leipzig 1 – 1 Frankfurt (15)
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (75) Frankfurt: Stendara (28)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 13/5 Frankfurt 21/10
Possession: Frankfurt 62/38
Man of the Match: AMC Marc Stendera 7.6

Form: Baumann 6.4, Nestor 6.8, Sebastian 6.9, Jung 6.5, van Aanholt 7.3, Kaiser 6.9, Bambara (sub 80) 6.5, Segbefia 6.8, Joãozinho (sub 80) 6.5, Thomalla (sub 80) 6.7, Poulsen 7.1, Crimi (on 80) –, Rybacki (on 80) –, Fandrich (on 80) –

Once again dominated, didn't really deserve a share of the spoils, but Poulsen provided them for us.

This 12 game unbeaten run in the Bundesliga may be dead as dead in two weeks when we travel to the Allianz Arena for a showdown with Bayern.

Ajax Approach
Wow. The giants of Dutch football, Ajax have offered me a chance to interview for their manager position. Unfortunately, they are sitting 11th and I've no interested of leaving Germany.

Fenerbahçe Approach
I've become a popular target for the top clubs that are struggling. The Turkish giants have offered me a chance to interview while they sit 10th in the Spor Toto Super League. I decline.

Bundesliga Match Day #13
Bayern Do What Bayern Does to 10-Man Bulls
(1) Bayern München 3 – 0 RB Leipzig (3)
Goals: Bayern: Benteke (48), Müller (63), Thiago (76)
Shots/On Target: Bayern 27/11 Leipzig 2/0
Possession: Bayern 66/34
Cautions: Bayern: Kroos (20), Thiago (85) Leipzig: Oyenard (red 4), Schulz (89)
Man of the Match: AMR Thomas Müller 9.2

Form: Baumann 6.4, Nestor 6.7, Willers 6.7, Politevich 6.7, van Aanholt 5.7, Crimi 6.6, Frahn (sub 5) –, Fandrich (sub 45) 6.3, Joãozinho 6.3, Oyenard (red 4) –, Poulsen 5.8, Schulz (on 5) 6.0, Segbefia (on 45) 6.7

I can't complain about this one. With Oyenard getting sent off five minutes in, he made a difficult job that much harder. We defended heroically in the first half, but we were always going to be climbing a mountain in this one.

DM Gustavo Oyenard has been suspended for one match after his sending off.

A.C. Milan Approach
On the eve of my 100th match in charge of RB Leipzig, on the eve of a crucial Europa League match with A.C. Milan that could propel us into the Europa League knockout round, A.C. Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has approached me to interview for their vacant manager position.

Is this merely a ploy to throw me off my game?

Europa League Group F Match Day #5
Bulls Through to Knockouts With Milan Draw
RB Leipzig 2 – 2 A.C. Milan
Goals: Leipzig: Capuano o.g. ( 29), Frahn (32) Milan: El Shaarawy (14, 72)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 17/10 Milan 18/10
Possession: Milan 58/42
Cautions: Leipzig: Crimi (62) Milan: Vrsaljko (48), Mexès (red 79)
Man of the Match: AMR Stephen El Shaarawy 8.8

Form: Baumann 6.5, Nestor (sub 65) 6.7, Willers 6.8, Politevich (sub 65) 6.9, Judt 6.9, Crimi 6.9, Oyenard 6.4, Segbefia 6.8, Joãozinho (sub 65) 6.6, Frahn 7.2, Poulsen 7.2, Sebastian (on 65) 6.5, Rockenbach (on 65) 6.3, Jung (on 65) 6.6

Nervy. We pulled it out with two goals in three minutes and then hung on after El Shaarawy's second pulled them level. With Mexès getting sent off we were able to breathe a little. An incredible result, we pull two draws from Milan and with one match remaining in the group, we'll go through to the knockouts along with Liverpool.

We were given £84.52K for the win.

DM Marco Crimi picked up his third yellow card in group play. He'll miss the match against Liverpool.


Oyenard Banned Further
A disciplinary committee has ordered Gustavo Oyenard to serve a further two match ban for his sending off against Bayern.

Bundesliga Match Day #14
Frahn Powers Leipzig Back to Winning Ways
(5) RB Leipzig 2 – 1 Freiburg (15)
Goals: Leipzig: Frahn (45+1, 59) Freiburg: Stengel (90+1)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 10/5, Freiburg 9/3
Possession: Freiburg 54/46
Cautions: Leipzig: Politevich (32), Sebastian (50), van Aanholt (60), Nestor (84) Freiburg: Ekici (5), Diagne (82)
Man of the Match: ST Daniel Frahn 8.8

Form: Baumann 6.7, Nestor 7.1, Willers 6.9, Sebastian 6.7, van Aanholt 7.0, Crimi 6.8, Politevich 6.4, Fandrich 6.8, Joãozinho 7.1, Frahn 8.8, Poulsen 6.8

We'll head into December in the top four. Frahn was excellent, in top form today. We gave a goal back at the end, but it didn't harm us other than taking the clean sheet away. We've got short rest before a German Cup tie with Frankfurt that may see a big change in the starting XI to rest some tired bodies. We're close to that winter break though!

Top Players
1. DC Sergey Politevich: 19 apps, 3 goals, 1 assist, 4.05 tackles/90', 3 PoM, 7.32
2. ST Daniel Frahn: 18 apps, 8 goals, 5 assists, 2 PoM, 7.22
3. AML Joãozinho: 22 apps, 3 goals, 13 assists, 2 PoM, 7.18

[Grover]

December 2015
Newcastle Approach
Newcastle United, 13th in the Premier League have approached for an interview. I politely decline.

Board Confidence
Same as last month. Delighted with the leadership and league position. Still upset over Rockenbach.

DFB Pokal Third Round
UnBULLievable, Joãozinho Leads 10 Men Leipzig to Penalties Win
Frankfurt 2 (4) – p(5) 2 RB Leipzig
Goals: Frankfurt: Aigner (24), Kadlec (27) Leipzig: Joãozinho (73, 78)
Shots/On Target: Frankfurt 27/12 Leipzig 16/7
Possession: Frankfurt 52/48
Cautions: Leipzig: Jung (29, red 40), van Aanholt (35)
Man of the Match: AML Joãozinho 8.8

Form: Baumann 7.1, Müller 7.1, Sebastian 7.4, Jung (red 40) 5.7, van Aanholt 7.0, Kaiser 7.1, Oyenard 7.7, Segbefia 6.6, Joãozinho 8.8, Rybacki 7.2, Thomalla (sub 90) 6.3, Poulsen (on 90) 6.4

Incredible stuff, really. Down two goals in under 30 minutes. Anthony Jung gets himself sent off after a second yellow just before the half. I make no changes. We play one DC a DL and DR with the two DM ahead of that trio. Joãozinho pulls us back into this match all by himself (and two assists from Julian Rybacki). We hang on to make it to penalties. Rybacki makes the fifth, before Strandberg misses his for Frankfurt. We are somehow, someway, through to the fourth round of the DFB Pokal.

Amazing.

We have been given £459K for the victory.

DL/DC Anthony Jung has been suspended for the next DFB Pokal match due to his sending off.

We will host Kaiserslautern in the DFB Pokal quarterfinal on February 10, 2016.

Bundesliga Match Day #15
Leipzig Keep Rolling, Dominate the Hoff
(7) Hoffenheim 1 – 3 RB Leipzig (4)
Goals: Hoffenheim: Firmino (45+1) Leipzig: Crimi (1), Segbefia (77), Frahn (90)
Shots/On Target: Hoffenheim 11/6 Leipzig 14/9
Possession: Hoffenheim 54/46
Cautions: Hoffenheim: Ignjovski (76)
Man of the Match: ST Daniel Frahn 8.3

Form: Baumann 6.9, Crimi 8.1, Willers 7.4, Jung 7.4, Judt 7.6, Nestor (sub 65) 6.6, Politevich 6.9, Fandrich (sub 65) 6.4, Sreckovic 7.0, Frahn 8.3, Poulsen 7.8, Schulz (on 65) 6.8, Segbefia (on 65) 8.1

A very confident performance and great win here. Crimi was off to a flyer with a thunderbastard from midfield 31 seconds in. Firmino leveled it at the other end of the half, but Prince Segbefia's phenomenal free kick put us ahead for good. We're looking good value for our table position as we head toward the winter break.

Europa League Group F Match Day #6
Reds Pull Rug Out From Under Bulls
Liverpool 4 – 2 RB Leipzig
Goals: Liverpool: Sturridge (38, 72), Giovinco (54), Tadic (84) Leipzig: Judt (27), Poulsen (52)
Shots/On Target: Liverpool 27/10 Leipzig 7/4
Possession: Liverpool 59/41
Cautions: Liverpool: Robinson (45), Lucas Leiva (45+1) Leipzig: Nestor (12), Judt (48)
Man of the Match: ST Danny Sturridge 8.8

Form: Baumann 7.4, Nestor (sub 63) 6.2, Willers (sub 63) 6.4, Politevich 6.2, Judt 7.3, Segbefia 6.8, Oyenard 6.4, Fandrich 6.5, Joãozinho 6.8, Frahn (sub 63) 6.3, Poulsen 7.1, Sebastian (on 63) 6.6, Rybacki (on 63) 6.6, Schulz (on 63) 6.4

Brutal. We were doing just fine until the last 20 minutes. We're through the group and that's all that really matters here.

We've been given £169K for achieving second place in Group F.

Bundesliga Match Day #16
Bulls Make Three Goal Turnaround For Victory
(3) RB Leipzig 3 – 1 Kaiserslautern (13)
Goals: Leipzig: Frahn (35), Bomheuer o.g. (43), Sebastian (85) Kaiser: Borysiuk (31)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 16/5 Kaiser 11/4
Possession: Leipzig 51/49
Man of the Match: DM Dominik Kaiser 7.5

Form: Baumann 6.8, Nestor 7.2, Willers 7.0, Sebastian 7.5, van Aanholt 6.8, Crimi 7.1, Kaiser 7.5, Fandrich 6.6, Joãozinho 7.1, Frahn 7.4, Poulsen (sub 62) 6.5, Thomalla (on 62) 6.5

Win the possession battle,shots, no cards. Our best player on the day was a rotation option at DM. This was an excellent match and a strong recovery from being down 1-0 for all of four minutes.

Europa League Knockout Draws
RasenBallsport Leipzig will play Olympique de Marseille in the Europa League first knockout round.

Freiburg or Southampton will play the winner of our series.

Bundesliga Match Day #17
Rybacki Stuns Dortmund In Stoppage
(3) RB Leipzig 2 – 2 Dortmund (4)
Goals: Leipzig: Frahn (45), Rybacki (90+2) Dortmund: Hummels (4), Mkhitaryan (84)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 11/3 Dortmund 23/10
Possession: Dotmund 57/43
Cautions: Dortmund: Subotic (56), Blaszcykowski (73)
Man of the Match: ST Julien Rybacki 8.1

Form: Baumann 7.3, Nestor 6.4, Willers 6.6, Oyenard 6.8, van Aanholt 6.6, Crimi 7.5, Politevich (sub 64) 6.5, Fandrich (sub 64) 6.2, Joãozinho 6.8, Frahn 7.1, Poulsen (sub 64) 6.5, Kaiser (on 64) 6.6, Rybacki (on 64) 8.1, Segbefia (on 64) 6.8

Stole that one from the jaws of defeat! What a way to finish the first half of our Bundesliga campaign. Sitting in second in a Champions League qualifying spot of all places. Incredible stuff. Rybacki was magical with the winner. Heady days for the Bulls.

GK Oliver Baumann was named to the Bundesliga Team of the Week.

Friendly
Coppenburg 0 – 2 RB Leipzig

Top Players
1. ST Daniel Frahn: 22 apps, 11 goals, 5 assists, 3 PoM, 7.23
2. AML Joãozinho: 26 apps, 5 goals, 16 assists, 1.95 dribbles/90', 3PoM, 7.21
3. DC Sergey Politevich: 22 apps, 3 goals, 1 assist, 3.82 tackles/90' 3PoM, 7.21

[Grover]

January 2016
European Golden Boy
RB Leipzig forward Yussuf Poulsen has won the Europea Golden Boy award. He scored 26 goals in 45 games with a 7.24 rating.

Flávio Augusto Signs
Supporters are said to be relishing the opportunity to see the 21 year-old forward in action. He's been signed on a free transfer from Atlético Goianiense.

Spoiler

Board Confidence
Untouchable, baby.

Segbefia Out
AMR Prince Segbefia has gotten his wish with a transfer. The winger had trouble settling in Germany and we have a struck a deal worth £1M with Dutch side FC Groningen. We wish Prince all the best.

Andersen Agrees to Leipzig Deal
We are excited to announce the transfer of midfielder Lucas Andersen to the club from Dutch side Ajax for £900K. Andersen is a 21 year-old Denmark international and close from of forward Yussuf Poulsen. Andersen is dynamic, able to play at AML, AMC, AMR and ST. He will become the starting AMR quickly. We are chuffed to have him.

Spoiler

Badstuber Rejects Leipzig
We made a loan offer to Bayern for DC Holger Badstuber, which the club accepted. However, the player did not.

Friendly
Toulouse Fontaines 1 – 3 RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig 2 – 4 Cruzeiro
RB Leipzig 0 – 2 SC Vaslui

Bundesliga Match Day #18
Fresh From the Break, Leipzig Return to Winning Ways
(18) Union Berlin 0 – 2 RB Leipzig (4)
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (8), Flávio Augusto (38)
Shots/On Target: UB 9/3 Leipzig 8/3
Possession: Leipzig 52/48
Cautions: UB: Pfertzel (75)
Man of the Match: DC Fabian Schönheim 7.3

Form: Baumann 5.7, Nestor 7.2, Willers 7.2, Politevich 6.7, van Aanholt (inj 20) 6.8, Crimi 6.8, Oyenard 6.9, Andersen (sub 69) 6.6, Joãozinho 6.9, Flávio Augusto (sub 77) 7.2, Poulsen 7.2, Judt (on 20) 6.9, Fandrich (on 69) 6.7, Thomalla (on 77) –

A good win, our newest players get solid time on the pitch, with the more unlikely of the two scoring. Andersen struggled but Flávio Augusto looked like a player that might be able to make things happen for us. He had some beautiful passes and as a deep lying forward, linked with the midfielders quite well. We still need a stronger DM to make this formation really start to tick over for us, but we could be shoring up the attacking front four for the near future.

DL Patrick van Aanholt will miss three weeks with a twisted knee.

Bundesliga Match Day #19
Frahn Penalty Seals Drab Match
(2) RB Leipzig 1 – 0 Hertha BSC (13)
Goals: Leipzig: Frahn (pen 25)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 4/1 Hertha 8/2
Possession: Hertha 53/47
Cautions: Leipzig: Politevich (40), Judt (49) Hertha: Brooks (25), Plattenhardt (64), Langkamp (69)
Man of the Match: DL Juri Judt 7.1

Form: Baumann 6.8, Nestor 6.9, Willers 6.9, Politevich 6.9, Judt 7.1, Schulz 6.7, Oyenard 6.6, Andersen 6.8, Joãozinho (sub 49) 6.1, Poulsen (sub 49( 6.5, Frahn 6.8, Fandrich (on 49) 6.3, Flávio Augusto (on 49) 6.7

Not much to say here. Not a very pleasing match for anybody.

Bundesliga Match Day #20
Three on the Trot for Die Bullen
(17) Köln 0 – 2 RB Leipzig (2)
Goals: Leipzig: Joãozinho (15), Politevich (pen 61)
Shots/On Target: Köln 8/4 Leipzig 12/4
Possession: Köln 51/49
Cautions: Köln: Hector (77) Leipzig: Nestor (33), Flávio Augusto (34)
Man of the Match: DC Sergey Politevich 7.9

Form: Baumann 6.7, Nestor 7.6, Willers 7.5, Politevich (sub 70) 7.9, Judt 7.4, Crimi (sub 70) 6.8, Oyenard 6.9, Andersen (sub 70) 7.0, Joãozinho 7.6, Flávio Augusto 7.4, Poulsen 6.8, Sebastian (on 70) 6.8, Kaiser (on 70) 6.7, Fandrich (on 70) 6.6

A solid win. Augusto assists both goals. We've come out of the break with three straight clean sheets. It's unlikely we'll ever catch Bayern at the top, but we can play for second. We're neck and neck with Leverkusen for it at this point.

Top Players
1. DL Juri Judt: 17 apps, 1 goal, 1 assist, 9.40 tackles/90', 2 PoM, 7.24
2. ST Daniel Frahn: 23 apps, 12 goals, 5 assists, 3 PoM, 7.21
3. DC Sergey Politevich: 25 apps, 4 goals, 1 assist, 3.83 tackles/90', 4 PoM, 7.20

[Grover]

February 2016
Board Confidence
Can't touch this. Delighted still. Unhappy with Fandrich's performances. That has been remedied a bit.

Player News
DC Sergey Politevich was named to the Bundesliga Team of the Week.

Bundesliga Match Day #21
Draxler Rules The Day as Bulls Stopped Short
(2) RB Leipzig 1 – 2 Schalke (7)
Goals: Leipzig: Crimi (40) Schalke: Draxler (36), Huntelaar (45+3)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 11/5, Schalke 5/3
Possession: Schalke 51/49
Man of the Match: ML Julian Draxler 7.9

Form: Baumann 6.7, Nestor 6.8, Willers 6.4, Politevich 6.8, Jung 6.3, Crimi 7.4, Oyenard 6.6, Andersen 6.7, Joãozinho 6.2, Frahn (inj 45) 6.8, Poulsen 6.5, Flávio Augusto (on 45) 6.3

We never looked like winning, even with the shot advantage. Draxler was pretty much unstoppable down the left. Nestor struggled to cope all day. A big test with Leverkusen up next.

Frahn will miss 4-5 weeks with a fractured arm.

Bundesliga Match Day #22
Late Penalty Appeals Denied, Leverkusen Strengthen Grip on Second
(3) RB Leipzig 1 – 2 Leverkusen (2)
Goals: Leipzig: Joãozinho (47) Leverkusen: Klaus (12), Weiss (27)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 6/3, Leverkusen 20/8
Possession: Leverkusen 57/43
Cautions: Leipzig: Judt (21), Müller (70)
Man of the Match: AMR Felix Klaus 7.5

Form: Baumann 6.7, Müller 6.4, Sebastian 6.3, Politevich 6.9, Judt 7.2, Kaiser 6.8, Oyenard (sub 62) 6.5, Andersen (sub 62) 6.4, Joãozinho 7.2, Flávio Augusto (sub 62) 6.4, Poulsen 6.3, Schulz (on 62) 6.7, Fandrich (on 62) 6.6, Thomalla (on 62) 6.6

After three straight wins, we drop two against two big opponents. We played both Schalke and Leverkusen close, but couldn't repeat our results from the first go-round this season. We drop to fourth with the two straight losses and Leverkusen now has a six point lead over us and Dortmund for 2nd.

DFB Pokal Quarterfinal
Kaiserslautern Eliminate Champions on Penalties
RB Leipzig 2 (2) – P (4) 2 Kaiserslautern
Goals: Leipzig: Andersen (pen 40), Poulsen (73) Kaiser: Schahin (56), Jönsson (62)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 14/4 Kaiser 10/6
Possession: Kaiser 51/49
Cautions: Leipzig: Sebastian (12), Nestor (20), Judt (24)
Man of the Match: AML Florian Dick 8.4

Form: Baumann 6.4, Nestor 6.2, Willers 6.7, Sebastian 6.8, Judt 6.8, Crimi 6.8, Oyenard 6.8, Andersen 6.6, Fandrich (sub 90) 6.8, Flávio Augusto 6.8, Poulsen 6.7, Joãozinho (on 90) 6.6

The team is spiraling a bit, three losses in six days. We're a tired unit, but have Wolfsburg coming right upon our heels. No rest for the wicked.

We have been given £972K for the loss.

Bundesliga Match Day #23
Super Sub! Rybacki Puts Die Bullen Back in Winner's Circle
(9) Wolfsburg 1 – 2 RB Leipzig (4)
Goals: Wolfsburg: Vázquez (6) Leipzig: Joãozinho (26), Rybacki (90+3)
Shots/On Target: Wolfsburg 16/7, Leipzig 10/4
Possession: Wolfsburg 57/43
Cautions: Leipzig: Schulz (34), Nestor (86)
Man of the Match: AML Joãozinho 8.3

Form: Baumann 7.2, Nestor 6.7, Willers 6.9, Politevich 6.9, van Aanholt (sub 48) 6.7, Crimi 7.6, Schulz 6.5, Andersen (sub 48) 6.3, Joãozinho 8.3, Flávio Augusto (sub 48) 6.3, Poulsen 6.6, Judt (on 48) 6.9, Frandrich (on 48) 6.6, Rybacki (on 48) 7.2

Brilliant finish from Rybacki to steal the win about as late as it could be stolen. Andersen is still struggling to fit into the side, but we're gonna look to change that over the summer and perhaps play him in a more natural position.

Europa League First Knockout Round
Nervy Second Half, Leipzig's 10 Outlast Marseille's 11.
RB Leipzig 1 – 0 Marseille
Goals: Leipzig: Thomalla (21)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 12/7 OM 176/7
Possession: OM 56/44
Cautions: Leipzig: Judt (4), Politevich (43), Nestor (44, red 49), Oyenard (78) OM: Valbuena (69)
Man of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen 8.2

Form: Baumann 7.9, Nestor (red 49) 7.2, Willers 7.1, Judt (sub 49) 6.8, Politevich 6.6, Crimi 6.7, Oyenard 6.7, Fandrich 6.0, Joãozinho 6.7, Thomalla 7.5, Poulsen 8.2, Sebastian (on 49) 6.6

Big win before we had back to France for the return leg. Poulsen snaps out of his recent string of sub-par performances and shines today. Nestor's red hurts us bad, but we can survive it.

Nestor will miss the match in Marseille. Juri Judt has picked up a one match suspension for three yellow cards in European play.

Bundesliga Match Day #24
Flávio! New Signing Makes His Mark
(4) RB Leipzig 2 – 0 HSV (5)
Goals: Leipzig: Flávio Augusto (8, 20)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 7/5, HSV 13/7
Possession: HSV 58/42
Cautions: Leipzig: Andersen (17), Kaiser (28)
Man of the Match: ST Flávio Augusto 8.8

Form: Baumann 6.7, Müller 7.6, Willers 7.1, Politevich 7.8, van Aanholt 7.0, Kaiser 6.6, Oyenard 7.0, Andersen 6.9, Joãozinho 6.6, Flávio Augusto 8.8, Poulsen 6.4

A big performance from the Brazilian forward propels us to a second straight victory. We're recovering nicely from the losing streak with three wins on the trot. We are streaky to say the least.

Europa League First Knockout Round
Ayew Kidding Me? Marseille Stun Bulls
Marseille 2 (2) – (1) 0 RB Leipzig
Goals: OM: Ayew (78, 82)
Shots/On Target: OM 21/10 Leipzig 6/4
Possession: OM 61/39
Cautions: OM: Fanni (53)
Man of the Match: ST Jordan Ayew 8.9

Form: Baumann 6.3, Crimi 6.9, Willers 6.6, Politevich 7.0, Jung 6.8, Schulz (sub 69) 6.4, Oyenard 6.6, Fandrich 6.4, Joãozinho 6.6, Thomalla (sub 69) 6.4, Poulsen 6.3, Bambara (on 69) 6.5, Rybacki (on 69) 6.6

We held and held and held and held and Jordan Ayew finally broke us down twice in five minutes to end our run in Europe for this season. Now we can focus on our league position from here on out.

We have been given £169K for playing in the first knockout round.

Bundesliga Match Day #25
Leipzig Gut One Out at Stuttgart
(7) Stuttgart 0 – 1 RB Leipzig (4)
Goals: Leipzig: Flávio Augusto (65)
Shots/On Target: Stuttgart 22/8, Leipzig 9/3
Possession: Stuttgart 62.38
Cautions: Stuttgart: Arslan (81) Leipzig: van Aanholt (17)
Man of the Match: DR Loïc Nestor 7.6

Form: Baumann 6.9, Nestor 7.6, Sebastian 7.4, Oyenard 6.7, van Aanholt (sub 56) 6.6, Crimi 6.7, Politevich 7.4, Andersen (sub 56) 6.3, Joãozinho 7.0, Flávio Augusto 7.3, Poulsen 6.3, Judt (on 56) 6.8, Fandrich (on 56) 6.7

We held on for that one. We're back to within three of Leverkusen, so things are looking positive. Bayern still hasn't really slipped up enough to make it seem like they can be caught. Time is running out on the season. Lucas Andersen is still struggling, but Flávio Augusto seems to be flourishing with increased playing time.

Top Players
1. ST Daniel Frahn: 24 apps, 12 goals, 6 assists, 3 PoM, 7.20
2. DC Sergey Politevich: 32 apps, 4 goals, 1 assist, 3.97 tackles/90', 4 PoM, 7.17
3. DL Juri Judt: 22 apps, 1 goal, 1 assist, 9.50 tackles/90', 2 PoM, 7.16

[Grover]

March 2016
Board Confidence
Absolutely delighted. No complaints.

Sebastian Out
DC Tim Sebastian is suffering from a virus and will miss up to two weeks. We've sent him home to recover.

Bundesliga Match Day #26
Leipzig and Bremen Slug Out First Half Draw
(3) RB Leipzig 2 – 2 Werder Bremen (9)
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (7), Andersen (40) Bremen: Petersen (30), Elia (38)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 8/2, Bremen 10/5
Possession: Bremen 56/44
Cautions: Bremen: Selassie (83)
Man of the Match: MC Zlatko Junuzovic 8.6

Form: Baumann 7.3, Nestor 6.9, Willers 6.6, Politevich 6.6, van Aanholt 6.9, Crimi 6.8, Oyenard 6.4, Andersen 7.9, Joãozinho 6.8, Flávio Augusto (sub 67) 6.6, Poulsen 7.1, Thomalla (on 67) 6.6

Andersen was terrific with a goal and an assist. The first half was a fantastic battle, but the second half was sorely lacking. We're starting to see what will need to be improved upon in the summer.

Baumann Awarded
GK Oliver Baumann was named to the Bundesliva Team of the Week.

Bundesliga Match Day #27
Rotten Leipzig Fall to Gladbach
(7) Gladbach 3 – 1 RB Leipzig (3)
Goals: Gladbach: Mlapa (19), Kiyotake (32), Terrazzino (78) Leipzig: Poulsen (38)
Shots/On Target: Gladbach 15/8 Leipzig 9/5
Possession: Gladbach 57/43
Man of the Match: MC Mahmoud Dahoud 9.0

Form: Baumann 6.5, nestor 6.8, Willers 6.7, Politevich 5.8, van Aanholt (sub 68) 6.3, Crimi 6.6, Oyenard 6.5, Andersen 6.5, Joãozinho 8.6, Flávio Augusto (sub 68) 6.3, Poulsen 7.1, Frahn (on 68) 6.6, Judt (on 68) 6.6

We were positively rotten. Joãozinho was our one saving grace. Otherwise, completely terrible match.

Bundesliga Match Day #28
(3) RB Leipzig 1 – 0 Augsburg (16)
Baumann Stellar as Bulls Toil to Victory
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (12)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 8/4, Augsburg 9/5
Possession: Leipzig 51/49
Cautions: Augsburg: N'Sakala (47), Callsen-Bracker (75)
Man of the Match: GK Oliver Baumann 7.6

Form: Baumann 7.6, Nestor 7.2, Willers 6.8, Politevich (sub 68) 6.6, van Aanholt 7.1, Crimi 6.9, Oyenard 6.8, Andersen 6.9, Joãozinho 7.5, Flávio Augusto (sub 68) 6.6, Poulsen 7.1, Jung (on 68) 6.7, Frahn (on 68) 6.6

Oliver Baumann led the way. Even though we led the possession battle, I never really felt like we had control of the match. In the last ten minutes we gave the ball away again and again in terrible positions, but Augsburg couldn't beat our keeper. It wasn't a pretty victory, but it might be an important one.

Baumann Honored
GK Oliver Baumann was named to the Bundesliga Team of the Week.

Galetto Marks First Summer Signing
I've had a big need for a true defensive midfielder for awhile now. I've been training Oyenard there because I believe he's a better fit at the position than as a DC. Crimi is all right, but again, I'm looking for more.

For £4.5M in fees and clauses, 18 year-old Argentinian Guillermo Galetto is going to be that man. He's not quick or strong and will probably be a bit of a card machine early on, but my scouts have told me to go after this guy and I've got a feeling he's going to be phenomenal for this club next fall and long beyond.



Oyenard Wins Cap
We're all very proud as DC/DM Gustavo Oyenard has won his first cap for Uruguay.

He has thanked me for helping him get there. I'm know listed in his Favored Personnel.

Top Players
1. AML Joãozinho: 40 apps, 8 goals, 19 assists, 4 PoM, 7.15
2. ST Daniel Frahn: 26 apps, 12 goals, 6 assists, 3 PoM, 7.15
3. DL Juri Judt: 23 apps, 1 goal, 1 assist, 9.43 tackles/90', 2 PoM, 7.13

[Grover]

April 2016
Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the way I'm leading the team and they still harp on the successes of last season. The fans are a bit uneasy at Gustavo Oyenard's recent performances. We're hoping his international call-up may buoy his play.

Bundesliga Match Day #29
Leipzig Eke Out Own Goal Draw
(15) Frankfurt 1 – 1 RB Leipzig (3)
Goals: Frankfurt: Kadlec (64) Leipzig: Russ o.g. (39)
Shots/On Target: Frankfurt 9/2, Leipzig 8/4
Possession: 50/50
Cautions: Frankfurt: Russ (42)
Man of the Match: ST Vaclav Kadlec 7.1

Form: Baumann 6.8, Nestor 6.6, Willers 7.0, Politevich 7.0, van Aanholt 7.1, Crimi 6.7, Oyenard (sub 74) 6.1, Andersen 6.7, Joãozinho 6.8, Frahn (inj 24) 6.7, Poulsen (sub 74) 6.4, Schulz (on 74) 6.7, Rybacki (on 74) 6.7, Flávio Augusto (on 24) 6.8

Even in possession, we're improving there at least. Not a great turnout for the attack, however.

Bayern Win the Title
With five matches to spare, Bayern München have won the Bundesliga.

Bundesliga Match Day #30
Andersen Blitzes Bayern Late On!
(3) RB Leipzig 5 – 4 Bayern München (1)
Goals: Leipzig: Politevich (pen 3), Joãozinho (15), Poulsen (17), Andersen (41, 90+3) Bayern: Götze (12), Benteke (57, 79, 81)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 10/8, Bayern 26/12
Possession: Bayern 57/43
Cautions: Leipzig: Nestor (54)
Man of the Match: ST Christian Benteke 9.4

Form: Baumann 6.6, Nestor 5.3, Willers 6.4, Politevich 7.0, van Aanholt 6.2, Crimi 6.7, Oyenard (inj 37) 6.8, Andersen 8.8, Joãozinho 8.3, Flávio Augusto 7.3, Poulsen 7.2, Schulz (on 37) 6.8

A famous victory! We earned an early pen that Sergey Politevich drilled home. Mario Götze quickly leveled and what followed was magic. Joãozinho broke in and caught Starke off guard and fired past. Poulsen took a ball at the top of the box, Starke was out of position, easy goal.

The second half was all Christian Benteke. A hat trick and he nearly had us beaten. However, the magic of Lucas Andersen, firing in a loose ball from a last minute corner gives us the biggest victory we've ever had.

DIE BULLEN QUALIFY
RB Leipzig have qualified for the 2016 Champions League by securing a top-four position in the Bundesliga.

What an achievement for the club's first year in the top flight.

Bundesliga Match Day #31
Bore Draw Sees Leipzig Slip to Fourth
(9) Freiburg 0 – 0 RB Leipzig (3)
Shots/On Target: Freiburg 10/6 Leipzig 14/5
Possession: Freiburg 53/47
Cautions: Freiburg: Dedé (29), Guidetti (45+2), Günter (55), Diagne (81) Leipzig: Crimi (67), van Aanholt (80)
Man of the Match: GK Oliver Baumann 7.4

Form: Baumann 7.4, Nestor 6.9, Willers 7.3, Politevich 6.6, van Aanholt 6.8, Crimi 6.7, Oyenard 6.8, Andersen 6.7, Joãozinho 7.1, Flávio Augusto 5.9, Poulsen 6.7

Sure, we chalk up five on the champions and then lay an absolute egg at Freiburg. It boggles the mind, football. We drop to fourth, the lowest we can possibly finish. Baumann was excellent, a big positive.

Bundesliga Match Day #32
Bulls Fall to Hoffenheim
(4) RB Leipzig 1 – 2 Hoffenheim (12)
Goals: Leipzig: Poulsen (33) Hoffenheim: Malbasic (23), Ademi (45)
Shots/On Target: Leipzig 18/6, Hoffenheim 16/5
Possession: Leipzig 55/45
Man of the Match: DM Aleksandar Ignjovki 7.4

Form: Baumann 6.9, Nestor 7.0, Willers (sub 72) 6.3, Politevich 6.5, van Aanholt 7.0, Crimi 6.8, Oyenard (sub 72) 6.1, Andersen 6.7, Joãozinho 6.8, Flávio Augusto (sub 72) 6.5, Poulsen 7.1, Jung (on 72) 6.8, Schulz (on 72) 6.7, Frahn (on 72) 6.7

This one hurts. A match at home we should really be able to win. We seem to fare worse with higher possession percentages. Strange. Has the team settled into an easy pace, knowing they've qualified for the Champions League? I hope that's not the case. We could still finish second, there's a lot to play for.

Bundesliga Match Day #33
Two Late Goals and Poulsen Lead Bulls
(14) Kaiserslautern 1 – 3 RB Leipzig (4)
Goals: Kaiser: Pekhart (73) Leipzig: Andersen (1), Politevich (pen 86), Poulsen (88)
Shots/On Target: Kaiser 8/3, Leipzig 8/5
Possession: Leipzig 57/43
Cautions: Kaiser: Jessen (90) Leipzig: van Aanholt (37), Oyenard (50)
Man of the Match: ST Yussuf Poulsen 7.9

Form: Baumann 7.0, Nestor 7.3, Willers 6.9, Poltevich 7.4, van Aanholt 6.9, Crimi 7.2, Oyenard 7.0, Andersen 7.7, Joãozinho 7.2, Flávio Augusto 6.8, Poulsen 7.9

A very strong performance. A win that puts us second, though Dortmund has two in hand. Andersen was fantastic from the first minute and our front four play fairly well as a whole. We still need help at forward, or potentially right wing if we move Andersen inside this summer. Depends on the options available to us.

Top Players
1. AML Joãozinho: 45 apps, 9 goals, 21 assists, 4 PoM, 7.16
2. DL Juri Judt: 23 apps, 1 goal, 1 assist, 9.43 tackles/90', 2 PoM, 7.13
3. ST Daniel Frahn: 28 apps, 12 goals, 6 assists, 3 PoM, 7.11

[Grover]

May 2016
Bundesliga Match Day #34
Leipzig Secure Third With Final Day Win
(2) Dortmund 0 – 1 RB Leipzig (3)
Goals: Leipzig: Joãozinho (22)
Shots/On Target: Dortmund 19/6, Leipzig 7/4
Possession: Dortmund 53/47
Cautions: Dortmund: Sahin (90+1) Leipzig: Oyenard (15)
Man of the Match: AML Joãozinho 8.3

Form: Baumann 8.0, Nestor 7.5, Willers 6.7, Politevich 7.0, van Aanholt 7.1, Crimi 6.8, Oyenard 6.7, Andersen 6.9, Joãozinho 8.3, Flávio Augusto 6.8, Poulsen 6.8

Very good win against a strong Dortmund side to claim third.

Dortmund took second in the league and won the Europa League.

The club have been given £34.19M for achieving third place in the Bundesliga.

Joãozinho Named
AML Joãozinho was named to the Bundesliga Team of the Week

DFB Pokal Final
Freiburg 2 – 1 HSV

Awards
Dortmund AMC Henrikh Mkhitaryan has won the German Player of the Year Award. He has 12 assists in 29 games with a 7.33 rating.

Leverkusen AMR Vladimir Weiss has won the German Players' Player of the Year Award. He had 14 assists in 28 games with 7.37 rating.

Bayern ST Christian Benteke led the Bundesliga with 25 goals.

Dortmund manager Jürgen Klopp was named Manager of the Year and Players' Manager of the Year

Board Confidence
The board was delighted with my performances this season. The performance in competitions entered was very good and our signings were deemed adequate.

Upgrades
The club is set to upgrade the club's training and youth facilities at a cost of £3.7M. Improvements are expected to take around 8 months to complete.

Lyon Approach
I have turned down the opportunity to interview with French side Olympique Lyonnais.

FC BARCELONA APPROACH
Barcelona, fresh off finishing FIFTH in La Liga have invited me to attend an interview with Barcelona's board as they wish to discuss the possibility of becoming their manager.

I have to reject. I am committed to the vision of RB Leipzig.

Poulsen News
Denmark manager Martin Olsen has left ST Yussuf Poulsen out of his squad for the 2016 European Championships. The forward has expressed disappointment and is determined to make the squad for the 2018 World Cup.

[Grover]

June 2016
New Deals
RB Leipzig have announced a new 3-year sponsorship deal worth £130K per annum.

Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. A major contributing factor in the board's delight is our amazing increase in stature since I took charge of the club.

Tomczak Signs New Leipzig Deal
RB Leipzig manager/magician Florek Tomczak has signed a new contract that will keep him at Red Bull Stadium until June 2019.

Budgets Set
The board have set the initial payroll for the coming season at £475K per week and the transfer budget at £10.81M.

Team Awards
AML Joãozinho has been named Leipzig's Player of the Year by the fans.

Season Budget
We will have a transfer budget of £15.75M and a payroll budget of £550K per week contigent on qualifying for Europe.

We have been given £9.29M in Bundesliga TV rights for the season.

Contract News
We have terminated the contract of DR Christian Müller for a fee of £95K.

Leipzig Sign Aurier
We have signed 23 year-old fullback Serge Aurier from FC Toulouse in a deal worth £6.25M. The transfer will go through at the beginning of July.