RB LeipzigTeam·RB Leipzig has officially announced the appointment of Martin Demichelis as their new head coach, effective immediately. The former Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City and Bayern MunichTeam·Bayern Munich defender steps into the role following the departure of Ole Werner, who was relieved of his duties on June 17, 2026.
Demichelis's arrival marks a significant strategic shift for the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga club, particularly as it aligns with the vision of Jürgen Klopp, Red Bull's Global Head of Soccer. Klopp, who assumed his influential position in January 2025, was reportedly a key figure in the decision to part ways with Werner, having expressed growing concerns regarding the former coach's long-term international capabilities.
Ole Werner's dismissal came despite a successful 2025/26 season where he guided RB LeipzigTeam·RB Leipzig to a third-place finish in the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga, securing qualification for the UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League. Under Werner, who joined from Werder BremenTeam·Werder Bremen in the summer of 2025, the team amassed 65 points, just two shy of the club's all-time BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga record. However, the club's leadership, including supervisory board chairman Oliver Mintzlaff and the global soccer department led by Jürgen Klopp and Mario Gomez, reportedly harbored dissatisfaction with the team's overall development. Concerns cited included a perceived lack of dominance, insufficient willingness to run, defensive vulnerabilities, a poor record in top-tier matches, and an over-reliance on fortune in decisive moments. Sporting director Marcel Schäfer articulated the club's stance, stating that "the challenges ahead require new ideas and a different approach."
Martin Demichelis has signed a contract with RB LeipzigTeam·RB Leipzig until June 2028. He expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge, highlighting the club's ambition and clear identity.
"I was won over by my discussions with the club and its sporting vision. RB Leipzig are an ambitious club with a clear identity, outstanding talent and a determination to keep improving at the highest level. That is exactly the kind of challenge I was looking for. I want to create a side that plays bold, intense and exciting football, takes responsibility on the pitch and inspires the people of Leipzig with its passion. I'm also really looking forward to leading RB Leipzig in the Champions League. Testing ourselves against Europe's best is an incredible challenge and exactly where a club with RB Leipzig's ambition and quality belongs"— Martin Demichelis.
Jürgen Klopp elaborated on the coaching change, emphasizing the forward-looking nature of the decision. "We are acting in an advisory capacity as the Global Team. But we were involved in the decision-making process and analysed the season. Ole (Werner) did a fantastic job. We qualified for the Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League. But we also have to look forward at the same time. And when we thought about what that might look like, they decided on a change" — Jürgen Klopp. Klopp is reportedly highly impressed by Demichelis's high-pressing tactical philosophy, which aligns with the aggressive footballing identity envisioned for the broader Red Bull ecosystem.
Demichelis's appointment signals a new era for RB LeipzigTeam·RB Leipzig as they prepare for the 2026/27 campaign, aiming for a more distinct tactical identity under the increased influence of Jürgen Klopp. His arrival is expected to inject fresh impetus into the squad as they look to build on their Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League qualification and continue their development at the highest level of European football.
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