"RC Lens triumphs over RB Leipzig in Openda's return match"
As the 2025-26 Bundesliga season approaches, RB Leipzig are preparing for a new era with notable roster changes and a tactical makeover under their new coach, Ole Werner.
Key Roster Changes
One of the most significant departures is that of Benjamin Šeško, a key striker, who has joined Manchester United. Xavi Simons, another crucial player, is on the brink of transferring to Chelsea. To compensate, Leipzig has signed Johan Bakayoko in a club-record deal, aiming to add width and dynamic wing play. Dani Olmo and Lois Openda remain vital for creativity and goal contributions.
Performance Concerns and Outlook
The team is in the process of adapting to Werner's tactical approach, which emphasises a different pressing and possession style. The success will depend on whether the finishing quality keeps pace with the created chances. Leipzig’s revamped attack will lean on wing play from Bakayoko and creativity from Olmo to fill the gap left by Šeško. The squad depth has been bolstered with players like Ezechiel Banzuzi and Antonio Nusa to support rotation.
Competitive Context
Leipzig starts their competitive season with a favourable DFB-Pokal first-round record. Despite the roster upheaval, they remain Bundesliga contenders due to their talent pipeline, wing threat upgrade, and tactical freshness. However, the risk lies in how quickly Werner’s ideas take hold and the integration of new key players in high-pressure matches.
In the friendly matches, Leipzig's performance has been mixed. They lost their last test match against Atalanta Bergamo, squandering a 1-0 lead in the dying minutes. However, they previously won an unofficial test against RC Lens 3:0. Their last test match against Lens ended in a 2:1 defeat.
Meanwhile, the RB Leipzig women's team is also preparing for the new season. They will go into training camp in Rieden in the Upper Palatinate on Monday, August 11. Their next test match is scheduled for Saturday, August 16 against Hamburger SV.
[1] RB Leipzig will begin the new season with the 1st round in the DFB Pokal. [2] RB Leipzig's first competitive match will be next Saturday against SV Sandhausen in the DFB Pokal. [3] RB Leipzig's Bundesliga opener will be on August 22 against FC Bayern Munich. [4] Benjamin Sesko has left RB Leipzig and joined Manchester United. [5] RB Leipzig lost their last test match before the competitive season opener against RC Lens 1:2. [6] RB Leipzig's Bundesliga opener will be on August 22 against FC Bayern Munich. [7] In a separate event, the RB Leipzig women lost to Slavia Prague 1:3 in a friendly.
- Amidst the preparations for the upcoming Bundesliga season, RB Leipzig's revamped attack, spearheaded by the new signing Johan Bakayoko and the creative spark of Dani Olmo, aims to fill the void left by the departure of Benjamin Šeško to Manchester United.
- With an emphasis on wing play and a tactical overhaul under new coach Ole Werner, RB Leipzig's success in the 2025-26 season hinges on their ability to adapt quickly and integrate new key players, as they face high-pressure matches from the DFB-Pokal first-round onwards.
