RB Leipzig makes its debut in the women’s Bundesliga. In order to be able to look more upwards, the newcomer has hit the transfer market. And give the leadership role.
Should boost RB Leipzig’s attacking game: Sandra Starke. IMAGO/motivio
How did last season go?
After narrowly missing out on promotion in 2021/22, when Leipzig came in third behind Duisburg and Meppen, RB left no doubt from the start about who would be at the top in the end. It wasn’t until the 8th matchday that the first of only four defeats occurred, and there were two bankruptcies only after the championship had already been determined. The promotion itself was fixed six game days before the end of the season. And in the DFB Cup, after successes against Bundesliga clubs Frankfurt (2:1) and Essen (6:1), they made it to the semi-finals (0:1 against Freiburg).
What was going on in the transfer market?
Some top performers have left Leipzig. In addition to regular left-back Christina Beck, defensive specialist Louise Ringsing and striker Medina Desic, who contributed twelve goals to promotion, captain Johanna Kaiser is also leaving the team after four years at RB. The 27-year-old central defender has ended her professional career.
The Saxons also made a lot of money on the transfer market in order to successfully complete their first season in the top German league. RB welcomed eight new arrivals, some with Bundesliga experience. Attacker Sandra Starke, who was most recently on loan from VfL Wolfsburg to the Chicago Red Stars, but has already played 172 games (44 goals) in the Bundesliga for Freiburg and the Wölfinnen, has a lot of it. Nina Räcke, who came from SGS Essen and played 52 times in the upper house, and Julia Pollak, who most recently defended for Meppen and can show 37 games in the first division, should give the defense stability.
Michela Croatto, Julia Magerl (both from Sturm Graz) and Katja Wienerroither (Grasshopper Club Zurich) will bring international experience to RB in the future.
Who is particularly important?
Offensive player Sandra Starke should take on a leadership role. “This is a challenge for me. I will try to move forward in the best possible way and pass on my experience,” explained the 30-year-old. Also to her strike partner Vanessa Fudalla and midfielder Jenny Hipp. Fudalla was the top scorer in the second division with 20 goals in 19 games, Hipp scored twelve times in 24 games. Now it is important for both of them to perform one class higher.
The preparation games in Leipzig
In midfield, RB coach Saban Uzun is relying on Luca Maria Graf, who played in all 26 games last season, was in the starting line-up 24 times and for whom the upper house is not new territory after 81 appearances for Turbine Potsdam and Jena.
What does the startup program look like?
Leipzig starts its first Bundesliga season on September 17th away at 1. FC Köln. Against Effzeh and then in the first home game against SGS Essen (September 29th), the aim is to build up a points cushion before the big three wait: Frankfurt (A, October 8th), Wolfsburg (H, October 15th) and Bayern (H, October 22nd).
The kicker forecast
With the reinforcements in the squad and a financially strong group behind them, it should be about more than just staying in the league for the Leipzig team. As already shown in the 2022/23 DFB Cup, the team can also keep up against good Bundesliga teams. Places five to eight are realistic.
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