Bundesliga 2025/26 Tactical Previews: RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig began their season under new head coach Ole Werner with a victory over Sandhausen in the DFB-Pokal, despite conceding two first-half goals due to passive off-ball play. The article suggests missing European qualification for the first time since promotion has strongly motivated the club, resulting in a squad deemed capable of returning to Europe. While some anticipated Werner might struggle due to his late appointment and a slow offseason by sporting director Marcel Schäfer, the analysis concludes Werner possesses advanced tactics and has the personnel to implement them successfully, predicting an upward trajectory for the club.

Transfer activity was significant. Key attacking additions Johan Bakayoko and Yan Diomande in July, alongside April signing Ezechiel Banzuzi, are highlighted as immediate successes, quickly silencing criticism of the front office. The departures of Benjamin Sesko, Yussuf Poulsen, and Janis Blaswich are noted but considered largely irrelevant to the team's core strength. Ilaix Moriba's departure after four unproductive years on loan is presented as a relief. The estimated summer transfer balance is -€26.2 million.

In preseason, Leipzig dominated friendlies against ZFC Meuselwitz (3-0) and FC Toulouse (7-0). Werner debuted a 4-2-3-1 formation against Meuselwitz, where Diomande, Loïs Openda, and Xavi Simons scored, though Bakayoko missed a penalty. While approach play was solid, finishing was initially lacking. Against Toulouse, Werner's more complex, fluid system (often shifting from a base 4-1-4-1 to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 in attack) clicked effectively. Xaver Schlager scored and assisted Openda, Diomande scored twice, and Banzuzi also netted.