"A big step for me personally" - Raumi's first six months as captain | OneFootball

David Raum's first six months as RBL captain are complete. It was a new role for the left-back, and proven an intense, fast-moving period. On the pitch, Raumi led by example with consistently strong performances, while off it, he impressed as a leader, motivator and clear voice within the group.

“Looking back, it was the next step for me personally,” Raumi said during the winter training camp, reflecting on his appointment as captain back in August. “I hadn’t really been thinking about it, but at the same time I’d often imagined that maybe, at some point, it could be the next step.”

Ole Werner is satisfied

One thing is clear: Ole Werner got it spot on with one of his first big decisions as Leipzig head coach. “Just yesterday I spoke to the coach about the first six months of the season, and he told me he’s very happy with how I’m fulfilling the role,” David revealed.

The 27-year-old says the armband hasn’t added any pressure. Quite the opposite. “It actually pushes me on and gives me a bit of security. In a way, it even takes pressure off, because I’m not only helping the team through performances, goals or assists,” he explained. “I can also contribute by leading as captain.”

Champions League with RBL, World Cup title with Germany

With the season set to resume away at FC St. Pauli, David is fully fired up. Ambitious targets await both at club level and with his national team. Leipzig want to be back in the Champions League and the World Cup is also on the horizon.

“My goal for the year is simply to get myself into the best possible shape and have a very strong second half of the season to get back to where we’ve been with the club in recent years,” he said. And of course, the World Cup is firmly in the back of his mind as the ultimate highlight.

The Bundesliga title may be out of reach this time, but everything behind that is wide open. Raumi’s wish list for the months ahead? “We qualify for the Champions League in second place. Germany will win the World Cup.” Deal? Sounds good – we’ll take it!

Working with Ole Werner and Julian Nagelsmann

Both ambitions will also depend on him. Ole Werner at club level and Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann both rely heavily on the left-footer. “I’ve got a very good relationship and understanding with both of them,” he said.

“When Ole arrived in the summer and spoke to the team for the first team, I knew straight away that he has a goal, he has a plan, he’s focused, and you could really see that in the first half of the season,” David said, praising his coach. “He’s laid down clear principles – not just on the pitch.”

“And what Julian has built with the national team is anything but a given,” he added. Both coaches help him to keep improving, with honest communication and open dialogue always part of the process.

A strong mentality but also a calm presence

Alongside his dangerous left foot, which regularly delivers pinpoint crosses and set-pieces, David is known above all for his energy and mentality. He drives himself and his teammates, pushes them on and speaks up when needed.

Away from football, however, he’s a very different character. Off the pitch, David is more of a calming presence. “That’s really important for me, because only then can you truly switch off and give that relentless version of David Raum a bit of rest,” he said with a smile.

“I’m actually very relaxed and not easily stressed at all. A lot of people meet me and say: ‘Wow, I didn’t expect you to be like this.”

Golf, Swedish crosswords and music

To balance the demands of his profession, David has a few hobbies that help him unwind. One of them is golf - it’s no coincidence he sometimes celebrates goals with an iconic golf swing. “It’s a great sport mentally and provides a really good counterbalance,” he said.

Another hobby is doing crossword puzzles. “It’s something for the brain, instead of constantly scrolling on your phone and watching TikToks. I’d rather do a few Swedish crosswords and learn something along the way,” he explained. 

Music is another passion. “It’s a brilliant way to switch off and something I could definitely imagine pursuing more seriously after my career.” From time to time, he even DJs for friends and guests, having already set up a small home studio.

“Leipzig feels like home”

After three and a half years, Leipzig itself now feels like home to David and his wife. “The people are very friendly and warm. I’ve built friendships not just within the team, but also with people from Leipzig. That creates a real bond with the city,” he said. “The relationship with the fans is excellent as well. That’s why I genuinely feel at home here.”

And what about the future? “I’m a very relaxed, calm person. I’ve still got a contract beyond this season. Right now, I just want to have a strong second half of the season, and maybe I’ve got a big tournament coming up this summer in the form of the World Cup. There’s no point thinking too far ahead.”

From our point of view, we’d happily see him stay at RBL for another ten years. Peter Gulacsi and Willi Orban have shown the way. “When those comparisons with legend status at Leipzig come up, of course it’s a huge compliment,” David said. “But it’s not something I set as a goal. I live very much in the here and now.”

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