Simons and Geertruida get a new coach at RB Leipzig

The club of Xavi Simons and Lutsharel Geertruida is experiencing a highly disappointing season, far below the expectations set at the beginning of the campaign.

Despite being one of the Bundesliga’s top teams in recent years, RB Leipzig has struggled to find consistency and has underperformed across all competitions. At present, Leipzig sits a modest sixth place in the Bundesliga, a position that is insufficient to secure Champions League qualification for the following season. Given the club's ambitious goals and substantial investment in the squad, this underachievement has sparked concern and frustration among fans and management alike.

Adding to their domestic struggles, RB Leipzig has endured a disastrous Champions League campaign. Out of eight matches played in the group stage and knockout rounds, the club has managed only a single victory, losing seven of those encounters. Such a poor record on the European stage is particularly damaging for a club with aspirations of establishing itself as a continental powerhouse. The failure to progress deep into the tournament has not only harmed the team’s reputation but also resulted in significant financial losses that could impact future plans.

In the DFB-Pokal, RB Leipzig remains in contention, with a crucial semifinal clash against VfB Stuttgart scheduled for Wednesday. The cup competition now represents their last realistic chance of salvaging a disappointing season by securing silverware. However, recent performances have cast doubt on the team’s ability to navigate through the tournament successfully.

The most recent setback, a 1-0 defeat against Borussia Mönchengladbach, proved to be the final straw for the Leipzig management. The result was emblematic of the team’s struggles throughout the season: lack of creativity, defensive lapses, and an overall inability to impose themselves against lower-ranked opposition. Borussia Mönchengladbach capitalized on Leipzig’s errors, securing a narrow victory that only amplified the growing frustration within the Leipzig hierarchy.

Following the defeat, Leipzig’s sporting director Marcel Schäfer made an official announcement on the club's website, explaining the decision to part ways with Marco Rose. The tone of Schäfer’s statement suggested that the decision was not taken lightly, reflecting the club’s genuine desire to give Rose every opportunity to turn things around.

“We have believed in the cooperation with Marco and his team for a long time and tried everything until the end to turn things around together,” Schäfer stated. “However, given the development and lack of results, we are firmly convinced that we need a new impulse for the remaining matches to achieve our goals for the season.”

The decision to dismiss Marco Rose is significant, not only because of his status as a prominent German coach but also due to his personal connection to the club. The 48-year-old Rose was born in Leipzig and took on the role at RB Leipzig two and a half years ago, marking his return to his hometown after building a solid reputation elsewhere. His tenure was initially met with optimism, as the club believed his expertise and experience would help guide Leipzig to new heights.

Before joining RB Leipzig, Rose enjoyed successful stints with Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Red Bull Salzburg. During his time at Salzburg, he built a formidable team that dominated the Austrian Bundesliga and made impressive runs in European competitions. His transition to the Bundesliga saw him continue his upward trajectory, securing a Champions League spot with Borussia Mönchengladbach and later taking over the reins at Borussia Dortmund, where he guided the team to a strong finish in the league.

However, his tenure at RB Leipzig has been far less successful. Despite moments of brilliance, particularly during the early stages of his appointment, the club’s performances have deteriorated significantly. Injuries to key players, tactical inconsistencies, and an inability to respond effectively to setbacks have all contributed to Leipzig’s disappointing season.

Compounding the issue is the presence of talented players like Xavi Simons and Lutsharel Geertruida, who were expected to be instrumental in Leipzig’s success. Simons, one of the brightest young talents in European football, has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled to consistently deliver under Rose’s management. Similarly, Geertruida, known for his defensive versatility, has found himself part of a backline that has been criticized for its lack of cohesion and resilience.

Moreover, the broader context of the Bundesliga has added pressure on RB Leipzig to perform. With Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund continuing to dominate the league, Leipzig was expected to be the primary challenger capable of disrupting the established order. Instead, their struggles have only widened the gap between them and the league’s top two clubs.

Despite his dismissal, it is worth noting that Rose’s connection to Leipzig runs deep. As a native of the city, his appointment was seen as a homecoming of sorts, and his initial success gave hope to supporters that the club could build something special under his guidance. However, the inability to meet lofty expectations has ultimately led to his departure.

The timing of Rose’s dismissal is particularly noteworthy given Leipzig’s upcoming DFB-Pokal semifinal against VfB Stuttgart. With the club’s league campaign faltering and European ambitions shattered, the domestic cup remains their last realistic chance of salvaging the season. Whether a change in management can provide the “new impulse” that Marcel Schäfer referenced remains to be seen.

Speculation regarding Rose’s replacement has already begun, with several high-profile names linked to the role. The club’s management is reportedly seeking a coach who can provide stability, tactical clarity, and the ability to get the best out of a talented but underperforming squad.

As Leipzig looks to regroup ahead of their crucial DFB-Pokal clash, the pressure on the players and the new coaching staff will be immense. The decision to part ways with Marco Rose underscores the club’s determination to achieve immediate success, but it also highlights the inherent challenges of building a sustainable, winning culture.

Ultimately, the story of Marco Rose’s tenure at RB Leipzig is one of unfulfilled potential. Despite the initial promise and optimism surrounding his appointment, the inability to deliver consistent results has brought his time at the club to an abrupt and disappointing end.