RB Leipzig Appoints Demichelis as Head Coach, Replacing Ole Werner

RB Leipzig announced on Monday, June 22, 2026, the appointment of 45-year-old Martín Demichelis as its new head coach, succeeding Ole Werner, who was dismissed the previous Wednesday after just one year in charge. Despite guiding Leipzig to third place in the Bundesliga and securing Champions League qualification in his first season—averaging 1.91 points per game—Werner was unexpectedly let go following a decision by Red Bull's head of soccer Jürgen Klopp and Leipzig's supervisory board chairman Oliver Mintzlaff that a change was needed.

Demichelis, a former Argentina international defender, signed a contract through June 2028. He arrives from RCD Mallorca, where he took charge in February and managed five wins and an eight-match unbeaten run, though ultimately could not prevent the Spanish club's relegation from La Liga. His coaching experience spans multiple continents: he began as an assistant at Málaga and worked with Bayern Munich's youth and reserve teams, then took his first senior managerial role at his boyhood club River Plate in 2022, leading the Argentine side to a league and cup double in his debut season. He subsequently managed Mexican side Monterrey before joining Mallorca.

Leipzig's sporting director Marcel Schäfer emphasized that Demichelis brings a clear footballing philosophy combined with high intensity and technical competence. "Martin combines a clear footballing philosophy with intensity and outstanding expertise," Schäfer stated. "We are convinced that he will bring fresh impetus to the team and play a key role in the club's continued success and development." The club highlighted Demichelis's international perspective—having worked at the highest level across Europe, South America, and North America—as fitting Leipzig's global orientation.

Demichelis expressed enthusiasm for the challenge, saying: "That is exactly the kind of challenge I was looking for. I have enormous respect for the work that has been done here. I want to build on those foundations and take the next steps together with the team. 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." He is scheduled to oversee his first training session on July 13, with competitive play beginning in the German Cup first round against Eintracht Trier in mid-August.

Demichelis's playing career included 51 appearances for Argentina, including the 2014 World Cup final against Germany. As a player, he won four Bundesliga titles and four German Cups with Bayern Munich, and also played for Manchester City, Espanyol, and Málaga before retiring at age 36.