RB Leipzig's week encapsulates the contradictions that have defined their season. A 2-3 home defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday was a setback, yet the manner of the performance suggested progress under Martin Demichelis. The result leaves Leipzig with serious work to do in Europe, where they have won just one of their first four group games, but domestically the picture is more encouraging. They hold fourth place in the Bundesliga with 15 points from eight games, three behind leaders Bayern Munich.

Demichelis had moved to silence doubts about his position just days earlier, telling Bild that he would walk away himself if Leipzig failed to meet their targets at season's end. That statement of accountability came after a run of three consecutive wins, including a 2-0 victory at Schalke, had steadied the ship following a turbulent start. Reports linking Julian Nagelsmann to the job have not gone away, but the club's football leadership has publicly backed the Argentine.

Off the pitch, two squad situations are developing. Captain David Raum has been linked with a winter exit, with his contract expiring next summer and RB reportedly open to selling at the right price. Belgian winger Johan Bakayoko, who has made only three appearances this season amid disciplinary concerns, is also expected to be allowed to leave in January. Leipzig host Augsburg in the Bundesliga on Saturday, a fixture that offers a chance to consolidate their top-four position before the international break.