Raphael Honigstein writing on the Athletic:
RB Leipzig is indeed an artificial product, but spending money in a way that produces good football is also an art in itself. And in comparative terms, it can be enjoyed relatively guilt-free, too. Werner’s and Nagelsmann’s artistry is not founded by despotic kings who have squeezed every last drop out of their subjects to produce frescos, palaces or churches, nor by autocratic regimes keen to wash their image in the age of sport as global entertainment.
I think Raphael makes a very salient point. This has been a dilemma I have been grappling with since Leipzig’s remarkable first season in the Bundesliga and I am still not completely sure where I stand. For many fans who follow the Bundesliga as neutrals, the fact that there is a challenger to Bayern’s hegemony in Germany — be it Leipzig or Dortmund — is something to be celebrated. However, for those in Germany that are ingrained in their unique fan culture, Leipzig are considered the bigger evil, regardless of how tiresome Bayern’s continued success may be.
On a sporting level, I welcome Leipzig’s challenge. If Leipzig do end up winning the Bundesliga, I am not sure I will be happy for the entity that is RB Leipzig. Even if I confer to the logic that I want a new champion for the sake of it (I don’t!) Dortmund would be my choice. I will however celebrate the brilliant management of Julian Nagelsmann, the consistency of Timo Werner, a revitalized Patrick Schick, a classy ball-playing centre-back in Dayot Upamecano and most importantly a championship for a passionate fan base in football crazy East Germany. Even with principles challenged, one can find room to appreciate excellence in sport.