RB Leipzig head coach Ole Werner recently sat down for the Bundesliga's "Midweek Interviews" segment, offering an in-depth look at his debut season with the club. The 38-year-old tactician didn't hold back, sharing both the highs and lows of a campaign that has ultimately secured Champions League football for next season.

"Qualifying for the Champions League confirms that we've had a very good season and achieved our mission," Werner began, reflecting on the team's 20th league win of the season against St. Pauli. That victory sealed their top-four finish, and with a win against Europa League finalists SC Freiburg on the final matchday, Werner could set a new club record for most Bundesliga wins in a single season.

But the journey wasn't always smooth. Werner opened up about the uncertainty that surrounded the club last summer. "We had a situation in the summer where we didn't know what direction things would go," he admitted. "There was a big upheaval after a difficult season for the club. I think the squad planners and those in charge did a very good job, putting together a team that should play a different kind of football."

Leipzig are guaranteed to finish third in the Bundesliga standings, regardless of Saturday's result. However, their DFB-Pokal campaign fell short, with a 2-0 quarter-final defeat to FC Bayern marking only the second time in six seasons they failed to reach the semi-finals. "We would've liked to have gone further in the cup," Werner said. "Unfortunately, we couldn't get through in Munich."

In the league, Werner acknowledged the dominance of the two teams above them. "We need to acknowledge that the two teams above us have had excellent seasons. We've come up a bit short there. Honestly, I think we can definitely live with third place."

The head-to-head meetings with Bayern were particularly painful, including a 6-0 thrashing on the opening day of the season. Vincent Kompany's side scored 11 goals against Leipzig across their two Bundesliga encounters. "You obviously hope to make a better start, but Bayern's season has also put things into context in hindsight," Werner reflected. "We weren't the only ones to be on the end of a thrashing."

For a team that underwent significant changes last summer, securing Champions League football while finishing third represents a solid foundation. As the squad looks ahead to next season, Werner's honest assessment of both the triumphs and setbacks provides valuable insight into a club that continues to evolve.