European comeback fixed: Leipzig now wants to make it to the premier class

Leipzig are aiming for higher things

They got off to the worst possible start to the season in August last year with a 6-0 defeat in Munich following a personnel shake-up during the summer break. Eight months later, RB has matured into a top team with higher ambitions for the future.

"Of course we want to play for the German championship. But we are also very realistic and know what the market looks like in Germany and that Bayern Munich is an absolute dominator. But you have to have this ambition, you have to set yourself these goals. And I would be happy to give us less than five years to achieve them," said RB boss Tatjana Haenni.

How much longer will Diomande continue to play for RB?

It is doubtful whether striker Diomande will continue to score goals for Leipzig. The 19-year-old Ivorian, who will face the DFB team with Côte d'Ivoire in the preliminary round of the World Cup, is unlikely to be retained in the long term. The high-flyer has already scored twelve goals this season.

"He's almost unstoppable when he picks up pace. He has a good understanding of soccer and knows where spaces open up for him. He doesn't even need to use many feints," said Werner, describing the attacker's strengths. And Baku conceded: "We're happy to have him in our own ranks and not have to defend against him. He is our difference-maker."

Diomande himself remained modest. "I try to improve every day in training. I'm happy for myself and for the team that things are going so well for me," said Diomande, looking ahead to the final spurt with confidence: "Now I want to bring the season to a successful conclusion."

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