“Champions League is a must”

Sports director Max Eberl has expressed his position on the sporting crisis at RB Leipzig. Due to the squad structure, qualification for the Champions League is essential.

“It wouldn’t be nice for several personal details if we didn’t qualify and not for us as a club anyway,” said the 49-year-old before Leipzig’s Bundesliga game against FSV Mainz 05 sky.

Eberl continues: “We were last permanent guests in the Champions League and we want to continue to be. It is a must that we also want to achieve that. There is still a lot to do. Both with Dani Olmo, but also with other players is the champions League is a big bargaining chip that we want to keep and it’s also important for players we want to bring on.”

After two defeats in the last three Bundesliga games, Leipzig has slipped to fifth place in the table. Fourth-placed SC Freiburg are one point away, while leaders Borussia Dortmund are already eight points behind.

When asked about the dismissal of former Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann at FC Bayern Munich last week, Eberl said: “I keep it very general. You get young people and you have to accompany and guide them. Julian doesn’t have to be guided, but he is a young coach. […] I have no idea what happened and it’s not my place to judge. But in general, young players and young officials need support.”