Following the bitter 2:3 defeat in the UEFA Champions League against Manchester City, discussion has once again erupted around RB Leipzig regarding manager Martin Demichelis. The question being raised is whether the former professional bears responsibility for the loss, given that he substituted key players such as Christoph Baumgartner and Antonio Nusa in the second half, potentially altering the match's dynamics.

Baumgartner stated that the coaching debate was becoming too heated for his liking. He explained that Demichelis had little choice in the matter, questioning what else the manager could have done and noting that while he felt excellent on the pitch, the substitution had been pre-arranged. Baumgartner added that good players came on to replace him.

The Austrian's working day ended after 57 minutes of play. Nusa, who had scored the equalizer to make it 2:2 in the 61st minute, was forced to leave the pitch after 74 minutes. Just four minutes later, Erling Haaland secured the winning goal for the visitors.

Baumgartner told DAZN that the defeat was extremely bitter. He emphasized that Leipzig had played well for large stretches, given everything on the pitch, and that it hurt to lose such a match at home, noting that they should have at least taken a point from it.

Demichelis stressed that in his view, football is unpredictable and that they deserved more than a single point. He highlighted that they had delivered a brutal performance against the second-placed side in the Premier League, who will likely be fighting for the title until the end of the season.

RB Leipzig must "simply collect points"

For RB Leipzig, this was their third defeat in four UEFA Champions League matches in the 2026/2027 season. Baumgartner emphasized the need to simply collect points, noting that opportunities would come in future matches. He expressed continued belief in the squad's ability to earn more points in the Champions League, acknowledging that approximately ten points would be needed and that they must deliver in their remaining fixtures.

Demichelis described it as a sad moment because they had lost despite such a strong performance. He stressed that the players must themselves be convinced by the quality of their display. He noted that they had faced a brutal side and therefore the players must learn much from today's match and take many lessons from it, emphasizing that the competition continues.