RB Leipzig have announced the departure of manager Ole Werner, the club confirmed in a statement on Wednesday. Werner arrived at the Saxony-based club in June 2023 following four years with Werder Bremen, but lasted only one season, guiding Leipzig to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification.
The club also announced that Werner’s assistants, Tom Cichon and Patrick Kohlmann, have also been relieved of their duties. While RB Leipzig have not yet named a replacement, Sky Sport reports that Martin Demichelis is the favoured candidate to take over.
Werner’s single season at Leipzig saw the team secure Champions League football, a primary objective for the club, but the decision suggests the board were seeking a more significant impact. His tenure at Werder Bremen saw him establish a reputation for tactical flexibility and developing young players, leading to his appointment by Leipzig.
Demichelis, a former Argentina international defender, has previously managed River Plate in his native country, where he won the Argentine Primera División title. His potential appointment would signal a shift in managerial approach for Leipzig, known for their high-pressing, attacking style under previous coaches like Julian Nagelsmann and Marco Rose. The move could indicate a desire for greater defensive solidity and tactical nuance.
The change in management comes as several European clubs reassess their leadership ahead of next season. Leipzig will be hoping a new manager can propel them to challenge Bayern Munich’s dominance in the Bundesliga.
