RB Leipzig’s Head of Sport Marcel Schäfer has drawn a striking comparison between Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Mamelodi Sundowns, outlining why dethroning Germany’s most decorated club remains one of football’s most difficult tasks – while refusing to rule out the possibility entirely.
Speaking with rare candour for a top executive, Schäfer drew on personal history to frame the challenge, pointing out that Bayern’s rare title losses have almost always come during periods of their own underperformance rather than genuine rivalry.
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“I played for Wolfsburg in 2009 and it was totally unexpected that we won the league. Bayern struggled. In 2011/12, Dortmund did a great job, but Bayern struggled. 2007, Stuttgart won – Bayern struggled,” he said. “The only team, we have to be honest, who had an outstanding season – without Bayern struggling – was Leverkusen, but this is once in 30 years.”
It was his Sundowns comparison, however, that will resonate most with South African football fans.
Schäfer drew a direct parallel between Bayern’s financial might and the structural dominance that Sundowns enjoy over the South African top-flight, where they are chasing a ninth consecutive league title.
“You’re competing with a club that has a huge distance over others and, through history, one of the best clubs in the world = definitely the best club in Germany, sporting wise, and of course economic wise,” he said.
“Like Mamelodi Sundowns – they are able to spend and it’s easy for them to keep the best players. It’s not a must to sell any players – because they have so many other revenues. Bayern is a big brand and world class players.”
The context behind those words matters. Leipzig arrive at this point of reflection following one of the most dramatic rebuilds in recent Bundesliga memory. Schäfer was unflinching in his assessment of where the club currently stands.
“After the big change last year with a very disappointing season, we did a complete reset. We sold our best players, 28 transfers in total. New coaching staff, new staff members – so it was a big change. A full reset and then go back step-by-step to where we belong to.
“To say next year we want to compete with Bayern for the league, I think it would not be realistic – but you still need to have dreams in your mind, and we will work for it. That is why we are here. But the first step is to compete with other teams for Champions League places.”
And when it comes to silverware? Schäfer did not shy away. “If you ask me, do I want to win the German Cup? Yes – and that’s why we are here.”
For Leipzig, the road back to the summit is long. But if Bayern stumble, Schäfer made clear his club will be ready to pounce with the club looking towards building a squad capable of challenge for the most coveted prize in German football.
Image credit: RB Leipzig X
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