RB Leipzig head of sport Marcel Schäfer has likened Bayern Munich’s long-standing dominance in German football to that of Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, saying the Bundesliga champions’ financial strength makes them exceptionally difficult to overtake.
In a candid assessment, Schäfer suggested that Bayern’s grip on the league has rarely been broken by direct competition alone. Instead, he argued that the few occasions on which Bayern have lost the title have largely coincided with periods of underperformance from the Munich club itself.
Reflecting on past campaigns, Schäfer said: “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. 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.”
His comparison to Mamelodi Sundowns underlined what he described as a structural imbalance. The South African side are currently pursuing a ninth successive league title, backed by financial resources that allow them to retain key players and outspend domestic rivals.
“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,” Schäfer explained.
“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.”
Schäfer’s remarks come as Leipzig attempt to rebuild following a turbulent period. The club underwent sweeping changes after what he described as a disappointing season, including a large turnover of players and staff.
“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,” he said.
Despite the scale of the overhaul, Schäfer acknowledged that an immediate title challenge would be unrealistic. “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.”
However, ambitions remain high within the club, particularly in knockout competitions. “If you ask me, do I want to win the German Cup? Yes – and that’s why we are here,” he added.
Leipzig’s path back to the top of German football may be gradual, but Schäfer indicated that the club intends to be ready to capitalise on any slip-ups from Bayern, as they continue to rebuild towards a future title challenge.
