RB Leipzig coach Martin Demichelis is under significant pressure following a disappointing start to the season. A commentary openly questions the manager's work after the team failed to earn a point from their first two competitive matches.
The side lost their Bundesliga opener at the Weser and then suffered a defeat in the Champions League at Lake Como. Six important players were recently absent injured, including key figures Christoph Baumgartner and Rocco Reitz who are sidelined for weeks. Also, striker Yan Diomande left the club on a free transfer for Real Madrid this summer, part of a window that saw 36 transfer movements reshape the squad.
The Responsibility of the Leadership
The club leadership, including CEO Tatjana Haenni and sporting director Marcel Schäfer, appointed Demichelis in the summer. The Argentine conducts all his interviews in German. "He wants to conduct all interviews in German," Demichelis said. German is also the language in the RB Leipzig dressing room. The top brass recently came under scrutiny after new Germany national team head coach Jürgen Klopp was said to have influenced the dismissal of former RB coach Ole Werner.
The Current Situation
RB Leipzig sit eighth in the Bundesliga table with three points from two matches. Their goal difference stands at plus one, having scored four and conceded three. Their last five league games yielded three wins and two defeats. The next fixture is at home against relegation-threatened Hamburger SV on Sunday, 13 September. A win is likely necessary for Demichelis to secure his position ahead of the upcoming international break. Recent history shows clubs like Bayer Leverkusen dismissed their coach, Erik ten Hag, mid-season without a gardening leave period last campaign.
The commentary sums up the mood: "Demichelis steht das Wasser schon bis zum Hals." The team must now respond against HSV, who currently sit bottom of the table. The current injury list and upcoming challenges can be viewed on our squad page. The complete schedule for the Red Bulls is available under fixtures.
