'We failed' - RB Leipzig director's brutal verdict as club suffer worst Bundesliga finish and miss out on Europe

RB Leipzig concluded the 2024–25 Bundesliga season with a 3-2 home defeat to Stuttgart, cementing a seventh-place finish and missing out on European competition for the first time since their promotion in 2016. Despite leading twice through goals from Xavi Simons and Ridle Baku, Leipzig's defensive lapses allowed Stuttgart to capitalise, with Nick Woltemade and Ermedin Demirovic scoring in the second half to secure the win for the visitors.

Die Roten Bullen managed only 13 wins in 34 league matches, their lowest tally since joining the Bundesliga. Interim head coach, Zsolt Low, who took over after Marco Rose's dismissal in March, couldn't reverse the team's fortunes. Moreover, financially, the absence from European competitions is a significant setback, potentially resulting in a revenue shortfall of €60–70 million. This financial strain may necessitate the sale of key players, with talents like Xavi Simons and Benjamin Sesko attracting interest from other clubs.

RB Leipzig's sporting director, Marcel Schafer, didn't mince his words following the season's conclusion: "There are no new insights. It was a disappointing season for the players, the team, and the club. We failed to achieve our goals. That's why we are where we are and won't be playing internationally next year." He also emphasised the need for open discussions with players and indicated that squad reinforcements are necessary to address the team's shortcomings.

The German club are searching for a new permanent head coach, with names like Sebastian Hoeneß, Roger Schmidt, and Oliver Glasner reportedly on their shortlist. Additionally, the club's leadership, including Jurgen Klopp in his role overseeing Red Bull's football operations, will be instrumental in steering Leipzig back on track.