Chance proliferation, hardly any points: Leipzig lack a killer instinct

After the next setback, RB Leipzig coach Ole Werner has demanded more killer instinct from his team as they aim for the Champions League. "We are in a very tight race in which it is crucial how effectively you use your moments," said the coach after the 2:2 draw against VfL Wolfsburg. "We haven't managed to do that in recent weeks in the same way as the competition around us."

Leipzig scored ten times for two goals against Wolfsburg. The Lower Saxons, who are struggling with relegation worries, needed three shots for the same tally.

Leipzig are now only fifth, five points behind Hoffenheim in third. Leverkusen can also overtake them if they win the catch-up game at HSV. "The fact is that we haven't picked up enough points in recent weeks," said Werner.

Unexpected dip in form

What Leipzig lack is not just effectiveness. In recent weeks, the team has been overcome by a dip in form, which has led to them picking up just two points out of a possible nine against relegation candidates Mainz, St. Pauli and Wolfsburg. "The results are not as we would like them to be," said sporting director Marcel Schäfer. "But we still have everything in our own hands."

During this tough phase, of all times, supervisory board chairman Oliver Mintzlaff raised the season's target. The team should qualify for the Champions League, the former club boss said after the cup exit in Munich. "Maybe it's just the right moment," said Werner.

Schäfer classifies Mintzlaff's statements

If you look at the result against Wolfsburg, it wasn't really that. If you look at the performance, you can argue that it was. "In terms of performance, it was a really good game. But if you want to finish in the top four, you have to convert that into three points," said the 37-year-old coach.

Mintzlaff's words resonated. For Schäfer, however, the statements were less remarkable. "Oliver has formulated something that has been the club's ambition for years. He is also someone who always strives for the maximum," said the 41-year-old. And Mintzlaff - as the past has shown - particularly likes it when this maximum is also achieved.