RB Leipzig missed out on a spectacular move for their head coach position this summer. The Bundesliga club held concrete talks with Cesc Fàbregas, who was their absolute preferred candidate to succeed Marco Rose. The Red Bulls currently sit eighth in the Bundesliga table with three points from two games and are preparing for their next home match against bottom-placed Hamburger SV on September 13th.
Why Fàbregas was the preferred candidate
The Leipzig leadership was seeking a solution for the managerial position. After the interim period under Zsolt Löw and Peter Krawietz, a long-term successor for Marco Rose was needed. Cesc Fàbregas, now 39 and a co-owner of Italian club Como, was at the very top of the list. The former world-class player met with club representatives for talks, both in Como and London. In the British capital, his advisor Darren Dein was also present. The discussions concretely covered the club and the squad of RB Leipzig.
How the negotiations fell through
Despite intensive efforts, an agreement was not reached. Fàbregas did not give a formal rejection but ultimately decided to remain at Como. The club from Northern Italy started the new season unbeaten under his guidance. Three weeks after the talks with the Spaniard ended, RB Leipzig then appointed Ole Werner. The 38-year-old received a one-year contract as the new head coach. The club's injury list, meanwhile, remains lengthy with players like Rocco Reitz, Brajan Gruda, Castello Lukeba and Christoph Baumgartner sidelined, as shown by the current injury status.
Which players were also in focus
The overlaps between Leipzig and Como extended beyond the coaching position. The Italian club signed three talents this summer, Jesús Rodríguez (19), Nicolas Kühn (25) and Martin Baturina (22), who were also on RB Leipzig's transfer list. The case of Nicolas Kühn is particularly notable. Como lured the attacking player with a salary offer double that of Leipzig's terms. Kühn ultimately did not move to Italy but signed for Borussia Mönchengladbach instead.
What Fàbregas said about Leipzig
The Spaniard spoke positively about the German club. In a statement, Cesc Fàbregas said: "Leipzig is a fantastic club, they have built a philosophy and a culture over the past years." RB Leipzig had been guests in Como a year prior to these talks.
What the current situation is
Under the since-appointed coach Martin Demichelis, the club is under pressure. The 3-1 defeat to Werder Bremen on the last matchday was a setback. This season, the team has scored four goals and conceded three, resulting in a positive goal difference of +1. In the title race, the Saxons are three points behind surprising leaders FC Augsburg. The complete league standings provide an overview. Against the backdrop of this sporting situation, the missed engagement of Fàbregas was a significant chapter in the club's recent history. The next Bundesliga fixture is at home on September 13th.
