New start after complete upheaval for Leipzig's female soccer players

After a complete upheaval, RB Leipzig's Bundesliga women's soccer team are entering a season with many question marks. For the first time, there are 14 teams at the start of a season that now has 26 match days. With eleven new signings and two contract extensions alone, coach Jonas Stephan has a big challenge ahead of him.

Bayern game the ultimate acid test

However, he has set a clear goal ahead of the opening game this Saturday (2.00 pm/MagentaSport) at 1. FC Köln after two recent eighth-place finishes. "Our aim is to travel to Cologne and pick up three points at the start. Over the course of the season, we want to develop not only in terms of soccer, but also in the standings, and aim to finish among the top six teams."

The ultimate endurance test awaits Leipzig in their home opener. Double winners FC Bayern are expected in the Red Bull Arena on September 14. "FC Bayern have the best squad and haven't won the championship three times in a row for nothing. That's why the defending champions are once again the favorites," said Stephan.

Two captains and a setback

The management structure in the team has also been changed. Sandra Starke and Giovanna Hoffmann now wear the captain's armband. "We want to have an even more unified and clearer language on the pitch. It's important to me that they both take responsibility," said the head coach, explaining the decision.

The team has already suffered its first personnel setback in preparation. New signing Diana Nemeth suffered a cruciate ligament rupture and will be out for a long time.