RB Leipzig misplaced their greatest participant once they offered Dani Olmo to Barcelona, a participant who gained the German Tremendous Cup with a hat-trick final yr and went on to characteristic for Spain at Euro 2024. Their departure gave them extra than simply cash.
Leipzig’s new sporting director Marcel Schaefer mentioned Olmo’s sale “confirms this philosophy” and it is easy to know what he means. Signed on the age of 21, Olmo spent 4 and a half seasons on the membership, successful three trophies earlier than being offered for a revenue.
His jersey has been handed to Norwegian teenager Antonio Nousa, a precocious expertise introduced in from Membership Brugge. Nousa scored the successful purpose on his Bundesliga debut towards Bochum final month. In Leipzig, simply as they deliberate, the cycle continues.
Questioner sky sports activities If Omo’s instance helps persuade Noosa and others, Schaeffer agrees. “It isn’t simply Dani Olmo. Josko Gvardiol, Dominik Szoboszlai, Christopher Nkunku and plenty of extra examples who performed for Leipzig for some time,” he defined.
“The gamers positively need to come to Leipzig. They see big potential. The membership has participated within the Champions League six years in a row and all the time has a really younger squad. It’s a excellent membership, not solely in Germany but additionally in Europe on this method.
“We’re not unhappy about it, we’re joyful to have the ability to carry Danny to his greatest stage. Everybody noticed that in the summertime. He is positively the most effective gamers, a key participant for Spain, A standout second within the event.
“That is what Antonio Nousa and others see. It isn’t an enormous deal to persuade them as a result of they know via Leipzig’s historical past that we’re the proper membership to assist them sooner or later of their profession, After which take them to absolutely the stage.
Others embrace 19-year-old midfielder Arthur Vermeeren from Atlético Madrid and title-winner Lutsaray beneath Feyenoord’s Arne Slot Lutsharel Geertruida (Lutsharel Geertruida), who on the age of 24 seems to be a little bit of an anomaly.
“Our technique is to signal younger, hungry, high-potential gamers, however we even want gamers with extra expertise who can assist us assist the younger gamers, particularly on the pitch and even within the dressing room, to assist them develop. and studying.
This can be a technique that has been refined over time. “We all the time need younger and hungry gamers as a result of that is a philosophy.” Olmo, Gvardiol, Szoboszlai and Nkunku have left, however Europe’s largest golf equipment know who’s subsequent The place superstars come from.
Lois Openda had an excellent first season at Leipzig, scoring 28 objectives. Slovenian ahead Benjamin Sesko has stunned some by signing a brand new contract. Xavi Simons returns from Paris Saint-Germain on mortgage to begin his second season.
“Xavi Simons, like Dani Olmo, is without doubt one of the greatest gamers in Europe and one of many stars with nice potential final summer time. However he’s very clear about his private profession plan. He desires to be a A key participant.
All of this helps clarify Why Gamers are very eager to hitch. The Champions League alternatives for younger gamers are value cherishing. Leipzig gives this platform. However the issue is how It is simply as essential that they develop gamers as soon as they’re within the constructing.
“If you wish to decide to growing younger gamers daily, an important factor is you want a very good infrastructure,” Schaefer mentioned. “We do. If you happen to take a look at the infrastructure we’ve got right here, the stadium, the coaching services, it is actually at a excessive stage.”
He continued: “The second most essential half is the nice teaching employees and we’ve got an excellent supervisor in Marco Rose.” The previous Borussia Dortmund boss gained trophies in his first two seasons whereas additionally Champions League qualification.
“Not simply the pinnacle coach, however the folks across the group, our medical employees, our athletic groups, even the cooks who put together meals and deal with participant vitamin. We now have specialists round our gamers to assist them get higher. day.
If there is a concern, it is that Leipzig’s mannequin could have grow to be so profitable that others need to emulate it. From types of play to multi-club constructions and even the broader development of investing in youth has grow to be the norm. Schaefer is relaxed.
“I believe we’ve got a bonus as a result of we have confirmed that philosophy over time. You will not discover a membership that develops or develops extra prime younger expertise than Leipzig and different Pink Bull golf equipment. So I believe we nonetheless have a superb Benefits.
Schaefer spent 17 years at Wolfsburg earlier than his transfer and is clearly having fun with his new position. “On daily basis I get up with a smile, even when it rains closely typically. It is a privilege to work in such a gorgeous setting.” However questions stay.
Leipzig need to usher in their very own gamers from the academy fairly than depend on their stellar recruitment. There may be additionally the problem of long-term progress. Was the plan all the time to promote the celebs? Cannot they maintain these and win all of it?
“We’re lifelike,” Schaefer added. “All of us consider that we’ve got the potential to compete with superb groups in all competitions, even within the Champions League. However we all know that there are most likely 10 golf equipment in Europe who’re higher than us.”
For now, the plan is to stay to the plan. “All the highest younger skills will think about Leipzig. They make Leipzig their focus.” Like Olmo, these gamers are destined to succeed in the highest. Once they get there, it is unclear whether or not they’ll nonetheless be carrying Leipzig jerseys sooner or later.
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