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Why does everyone hate RB Leipzig? A thread. (To be clear, I’m not a fan myself, far from it, but I think we need to face a few awkward truths about why we hate/dislike them or want them to get stuffed).
If you hate them because they took over a football club and destroyed their history, this is a fair reason. With that said, they took over a team that wasn’t so keen on their own history as the original team SSV Markranstädt, changed their name 6 times between ‘51 and ‘90.
They also renamed their team again after 1990 and the reunification of Germany. After this they have done or achieved very little in a footballing sense, UNTIL they had their license bought out by Red Bull. Since then, they have remained affiliated to RB Leipzig.
They have since won their league, then obtained promotion and and reached the equivalent of the playoffs for their new division. Not only have they continued, but they’ve arguably improved. Again, I’m not saying this is ok, but RB haven’t killed the club like MK Dons/Wimbledon.
I cannot understand the argument that they have bought success, particularly from people who are fans of a lot of Championship teams and Premier League teams. Especially those of other European powerhouses - Man U/City/Liverpool/Chelsea/Barca/Bayern/Juve/Real etc.
Financially speaking they have invested in a business model which allows them to nurture talent & utilize it at the highest level possible, or where its most appropriate for success. It’s worked really well for them. With a good coach and some good players, they’ve succeeded.
This is absolutely no different whatsoever with clubs becoming affiliated with clubs in different leagues (Watford) or building up an empire of other teams (Man City) to name just two. Nor is it any different to splashing the cash in the way that every other top flight club does.
Teams spend millions and millions on player purchases, wages, stadia and everything else that goes along with it. All the teams a lot of people wear shirts supporting are funded by countries (questionable ones at that), hugely wealthy individuals or massively rich companies.
Football is different these days. Fans aren’t important to clubs (in the top tiers) no matter what crap they spout online. The “loss” of fan culture of SSV Markranstädt isn’t the same as the Wimbledon situation because SSV Markranstädt have continued, and arguably improved.
Is it right that they’re using football to exploit their brand? No. Is it right they could take over a club, change its identity? No. Is it right that their model is all about money realistically? No. Are other top flight clubs actually that different in the way they operate? No.
Protest PSG and their owners. Same for Man City among others if you’re that way inclined. But the owners are no different in trying to grow their brands. Coincidence that when Liverpool won the league that Klopp was wearing a Red Sox hat in the videos? I’m saying no.
Football has become a fairly soulless place, especially at the top level. This summer, with no fans at football, has really made me think how I will watch, enjoy and consume football in the future. It’s also reminded me of how much I love Welsh football and our teams.
It comes to something when I was at one point I was hoping Saudi Arabia would rescue Newcastle United. What a mess. I’ve long since given up on caring about watching the Champions League and even the Europa League.
When the football season starts here in Holland I’m so excited to go and enjoy more local football where the fans matter to the clubs. And when I eventually move back home, I’ll be supporting the Welsh League and Barry Town like I should have done all along.
Anyway, this is much longer than intended & sorry for the rant (if you’re still reading!) but I think it’s time we faced reality. I’m very close to not committing any more serious money to Newcastle and spending more watching Wales teams, regardless of age/gender across Europe.
