On April 19, 2025, RB Leipzig faced a challenging match against an ambitious opponent, marking the first time the team dropped points under the guidance of interim coach Zsolt Löw. The Bulls found themselves trailing at halftime after Shuto Machino extended the visitors’ remarkable streak of scoring in every away game. However, a late penalty-kick from Benjamin Šeško salvaged a point for Leipzig, leaving the final score at 1-1.
After the match, Löw expressed his disappointment about the performance, stating, "We started the game well, but then started losing the ball regularly without any pressure from the opposition. We were practically asking to concede. We would have been really lucky to go in at half-time without conceding." His frustration was evident as he reflected on the team's first-half struggles.
At halftime, Löw took the opportunity to address his players, emphasizing the need for a more determined effort. "I told the players at the break that I can't accept us playing like that. I wanted to see everyone fighting for the cause. We found our way back into the game step by step in the second half. I'm proud that we scored the goal and had chances to make it 2-1," he noted.
Despite the draw, Leipzig maintained their position in fourth place in the Bundesliga standings. This result came after Mainz conceded a late equalizer against Wolfsburg, keeping the race for the final Champions League spot wide open. Löw remained optimistic, stating, "We can play better football as we’ve shown in recent games. I'm going to try and take the positives. We now need a good week of training before we try and take all three points from Frankfurt."
Looking ahead, Löw's future with RB Leipzig remains a topic of speculation. He has agreed to extend his tenure as head coach for an additional two weeks, allowing him to accompany the team on a marketing tour in Brazil after the season concludes. Originally set to end his role on May 17, Löw will now remain with the team until May 30, 2025. "My family is slowly prepared for everything," he commented during a light-hearted press conference.
Löw's connection to Brazilian football is notable; he knows Neymar personally from their successful days at Paris Saint-Germain. "We had beautiful years together, won many trophies, and created many shared memories," Löw said, expressing his eagerness to reconnect with the superstar.
As the interim coach, Löw's role has been to stabilize the team and prepare them for the upcoming challenges. He has already made a significant impact, fostering team spirit through unique bonding experiences, such as a paintball outing with his players. "We decided to play paintball instead of the traditional restaurant outing. It was a great way to build team cohesion," he explained, recounting a humorous moment when he accidentally got shot during the game.
In the lead-up to the match against Holstein Kiel, Löw was also asked about the future of Jürgen Klopp at RB Leipzig. Amid rumors suggesting Klopp might be dissatisfied in his current role as Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull, Löw defended his colleague. "Jürgen has made a conscious decision to be the global head at Red Bull. I believe from an outside perspective, it was the right decision. He is very happy in his role," Löw stated.
Klopp's consultant, Marc Kosicke, echoed these sentiments, confirming that Klopp is pleased with his new responsibilities. Meanwhile, the search for a permanent head coach continues, with Löw indicating that the club is actively working to identify a suitable candidate for the position. "The club is preparing to present a new coach this summer, and that is also right," Löw remarked.
As RB Leipzig navigates the final weeks of the Bundesliga season, the players and coaching staff remain focused on securing a Champions League spot. With Löw's leadership, the team aims to build on their recent performances and finish the season strong, starting with their upcoming match against Frankfurt.
In conclusion, while RB Leipzig's recent draw may have been a setback, the resilience shown by the players and the strategic direction provided by Löw could be pivotal as they push for a successful end to the season. As Löw prepares for the challenges ahead, the support of his family and the commitment of his players will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the weeks to come.
