RB Leipzig: Self-confidence and ambition after a successful start

RB Leipzig go into the international break with plenty of confidence. Coach Marco Rose's team are still unbeaten in the Bundesliga and have the best defense so far, conceding just two goals. Managing director Marcel Schäfer reported after the 1:0 (0:0) win at 1. FC Heidenheim that the past few days gave him an "extremely good feeling". The 40-year-old did not call for an attack on the championship, but he once again underlined the club's ambitions.

"Of course" RB wants to "compete for titles" and "get the maximum out of each individual player, but also out of our team and our club", Schäfer explained. "It's too early to say what that maximum will be." Many factors will play a role: Whether the team gets into a flow, whether they are spared any major injuries or how quickly the new signings integrate fully.

Using the competition's slip-ups

Hard-fought successes like the one in Heidenheim are important, said winning goalscorer Lois Openda. It is still early in the season, said the Belgian. But he already recognized a little progress. "Last season, we lost a few stupid points," he said - especially when direct rivals had also failed to score. This time, the title contenders Bayer Leverkusen (2:2 against Kiel) and Borussia Dortmund (1:2 at Union Berlin) dropped points - and RB was on the spot.

The victory on the Ostalb on Sunday was deserved, Schäfer judged. Nevertheless, there were also "phases in this game that we had to solve better". RB still have a "long way to go", said the ex-professional. After the international break, the season continues on October 19 with an away game at FSV Mainz 05.