RB Leipzig opens title chase - Relaxed at Olmo

The new Managing Director of Sport Marcel Schäfer and Xavi Simons kicked off Bundesliga club RB Leipzig's title chase in high spirits and self-confidence. "The club has already proven that it can compete for titles. That's what everyone strives for. That has to be our goal," said Schäfer at his first public appearance in Leipzig.

On August 1, the 40-year-old took over from Max Eberl, who had moved to FC Bayern Munich, and set out the Saxons' motto: "The objective can only be to change the letterhead with new titles," said Schäfer. "I'm a fan of big ambitions and tackling them with full vigor and enthusiasm."

"I'm not done yet"

The former professional was able to introduce a piece of the puzzle right away with the return of Xavi Simons. "The start couldn't be better with news like this. RB is a good starting point for top young talent. That's what Xavi stands for," said Schäfer about the transfer coup with the Dutch international, in whom Bayern Munich and Manchester United had also shown great interest.

The player on loan from Paris Saint-Germain scored ten goals and provided 15 assists in 43 games in his first season at Leipzig. "I had a good year here and a good feeling after the last game. That was a key factor," said the 21-year-old midfielder, who signed a loan deal on Monday for the Bundesliga season starting on August 23. "Leipzig is the perfect place and the perfect time for me. I'm not done here yet."

The club had been trying for months to bring him back. "We took our time, didn't push him. The position was reserved for Xavi, and that paid off," said sporting director Rouven Schröder. With the reserved position, Xavi also received the number ten shirt, which Leipzig had not allocated after the departure of Emil Forsberg at the end of last year.

Xavi wants to repay the advance praise in the coming months. "The focus is on this season, I want to give my best, then we'll see," said the professional, who was loaned out by PSG without an option to buy. There will be a quick reunion with his home club, who visit Leipzig for a test match on Saturday (18:00). Following his vacation after the European Championship, Xavi describes himself as "fit", but coach Marco Rose will decide whether he will play.

Patience required for Olmo

In all likelihood, Rose will have to do without Dani Olmo. It remains to be seen whether the midfielder, who is keen to make the switch, will ever pull on the RB shirt again. "This is an outstanding player who has a certain value for us," said Schäfer, "we are ready to talk about it, but at the moment we are relatively relaxed."

Olmo has recently been repeatedly linked with FC Barcelona, while Manchester City and record champions Munich are also said to have expressed an interest. However, according to media reports, offers from these clubs have so far been rejected by Leipzig. The 26-year-old Spaniard, who still has a contract with RB until 2027, is currently valued at €60 million.

Meanwhile, the Spanish European champion landed back in Leipzig with his advisor on Monday evening after his vacation and is scheduled to start training on Thursday. "I think it's good that he's here early. That's extremely exemplary and professional. Everything else will come from the talks," said Schäfer. "If there's a solution by Thursday, then there will be a solution. Then he'll start training and we'll have another top player in our ranks."