Top News

RB Leipzig have made a bold managerial change, sacking head coach Ole Werner after just one season at the helm of the Red Bull Arena. In a significant move, the Bundesliga club has turned to former Bayern Munich and Argentina defender Martin Demichelis to guide them into a new chapter under Jurgen Klopp’s broader footballing oversight.

Red Bull leadership acts swiftly to remove Werner

The club officially confirmed on Wednesday that Werner has been relieved of his duties. Despite leading Leipzig to Champions League qualification, the 38-year-old coach has been dismissed after the management, led by sporting director Marcel Schafer, concluded that a shift in direction was necessary to match the club’s long-term ambitions.

The reshuffle extends beyond Werner, as assistant coaches Patrick Kohlmann and Tom Cichon have also been released from their positions. This marks a strategic overhaul for the Red Bull-owned organisation, with Klopp now directing football operations across the Red Bull network. Under Klopp’s leadership, Leipzig are aiming to develop a more defined tactical identity heading into the 2026–27 season.

Schafer elaborates on the decision

Speaking through the club’s official communication channels, Schafer explained the reasoning behind the managerial change. “We have once again analysed the past season intensively and conclusively over the past few days. On Tuesday evening, we then reached the decision to fill the position of head coach anew,” Schafer told the club’s website.

He added, “We would like to thank Ole, Tom and Patrick for their work and commitment at RB Leipzig. They played a major role in the successful transition and in securing Champions League qualification. Nevertheless, we believe further development and a refreshed approach are essential for the challenges ahead. We wish Ole, Tom and Patrick all the best for their personal and professional futures.”

Demichelis set to return to the Bundesliga

Following Werner’s departure, Leipzig have moved quickly to secure Martin Demichelis as his successor. According to reports from Sky Sport, the club activated a €2.5 million release clause to bring Demichelis from RCD Mallorca after their relegation from La Liga. The 45-year-old, who represented Argentina at international level, is well acquainted with German football, having enjoyed a highly successful playing career at Bayern Munich before moving into coaching within their youth setup.

Negotiations between Leipzig and Demichelis are said to be in their final stages, with discussions ongoing for a contract running until 2028. While the finer details are still being finalised, the appointment is expected to be announced soon. This would mark Demichelis’ first full-time managerial role in the Bundesliga, following his impressive spell in charge of River Plate.

Demichelis’ career and achievements

As a player, Demichelis built a decorated career at Bayern Munich, where he captured four Bundesliga titles, four DFB-Pokal trophies, and one DFL-Supercup during his time in Bavaria. His consistency and leadership made him a key part of Bayern’s domestic dominance in the 2000s.

After retiring from playing, Demichelis transitioned successfully into management. He showcased his tactical acumen in Argentina by leading River Plate to the 2023 Argentine Primera División title and the Supercopa Argentina in the same year. Earlier this year, he took charge of Mallorca in Spain, but despite his efforts, the club finished 18th in La Liga and were relegated. Now, he is set to return to Germany with the challenge of steering RB Leipzig to greater heights under Jurgen Klopp’s expanded footballing vision.