RB Leipzig are building momentum at a critical point in their season, but questions about the club's direction have not fully disappeared. Three consecutive wins, including a 2-0 victory at Schalke and a 2-1 DFB-Pokal win at Rot-Weiss Essen, have steadied the ship after a turbulent run that included a 1-6 thrashing by Bayern Munich and a 1-4 loss at Real Madrid in the Champions League. Leipzig sit fourth in the Bundesliga, three points behind the top two, which gives the table a more flattering look than recent performances suggested was possible.

Martin Demichelis has responded to the pressure publicly. Speaking to Bild, the Argentine said he would walk away himself if Leipzig fail to meet their targets by season's end, a statement that reflects how much scrutiny he has faced. Behind the scenes, Sport Bild reported that Julian Nagelsmann has been informally sounded out as a potential successor, though Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer Roger Schmidt publicly backed Demichelis and distanced the club from any imminent change.

Off the pitch, Bild reported that winger Johan Bakayoko, who has featured just three times this season and was dropped for disciplinary reasons, could be allowed to leave in January. His situation reflects a squad that is still finding its shape under the new manager.

The immediate focus now turns to a Champions League home tie against Manchester City on Wednesday evening, a match that carries significant weight for Leipzig's hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.