By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, May 21 (Xinhua) -- This time RB Leipzig might be the underdog in the 2019 German Cup final against Bayern Munich. But the east German club has developed into a severe rival, strong enough to challenge established forces such as the Bavarians and the country's number two outfit Borussia Dortmund.
Many are convinced the national title battles from now on won't be a tango for two anymore.
Ahead of Saturday's cup final, fans and pundits consider that Leipzig could start to reshuffle power relations in German football right away by beating the Bavarian favorites at the weekend.
Leipzig officials and players claim not to freeze in awe when crossing swords with the record German champions in Berlin's Olympic Stadium.
Football is about winning titles, says Leipzig's current coach Ralf Rangnick confidently. His side is ready for the next step after RB finished second, sixth, and third in past years in the Bundesliga.
"Next year we want to do one or two places better than this season," the 60-year-old commented after the club managed to qualify for the Champions League for a second time in only three years of Bundesliga membership after being promoted to the first league in 2016.
Leipzig seems to have all the requirements to break up previous power structures despite not being able to "catch up with Bayern when it comes to transfer fees and salaries, but we can still win titles" as Rangnick stated.
The former Schalke and Stuttgart coach's strategy to attack Bayern and Dortmund appears promising but straightforward. "We must do clever transfers," Rangnick demands.
Future goals include national and international growth. "We haven't reached our borders yet. To constantly be part of the top four in Germany and in international campaigns, the club needs ongoing development," Rangnick commented.
It might be challenging to plan a title or to win a tournament, the Leipzig manager added, "but you can significantly influence the development of players and coaches and create an efficient structure and increase your title chances."
Rangnick currently serves both as coach and sporting director until Hoffenheim's Julian Nagelsmann takes over the coaching job for the 2019/2020 season. Leipzig's current success is said to be solely Rangnick's achievement.
With the support of Nagelsmann, everything seems possible. Though Bayern might still represent a different quality level, looking at the entire club and its economic strength.
"But we can be an option for players when we manage to attack the big clubs. We need to close the gap and make talents say: Bayern might be a leading side, but we can win titles with Leipzig," 31-year-old Nagelsmann emphasized.
He called Leipzig the perfect place for young and hungry performers regarding Munich as a step too far, as it is for him as a coach at present. "We can be a very appealing option if we work well as a group."
For now, Rangnick's most significant achievement is having found a healthy balance between an irresistible offensive power and a robust defense attitude. "It is hard for opponents to create chances against us," the coach emphasized.
Only 29 conceded goals, the league's best figure, tells the story when Leipzig faces the fearsome attacking line from Bayern (88 goals in 34 games).
It is apparent that they have matured. No other team can perform well using so many different tactical systems.
Many fans might still oppose the nouveau riche nature of the club, supported by a well-known energy drink company. Huge investments might have taken place in recent years, but antipathy is slowly turning into respect.
And it is easy to forget that this is just the team's third year in the country's top flight, having been founded only in 2009. Now Germany's rising star in football seems ready to prepare for the next strike.
