RB Leipzig name ex-Bayern and Argentina defender Martín Demichelis as head coach after firing Ole Werner

The appointment

RB Leipzig confirmed on Monday the hiring of Martín Demichelis, 45, as their new head coach. The former Argentina international joins from Spanish side RCD Mallorca, where he had been in charge since February. Leipzig triggered a release clause in his contract reported to be around €2.5 million. Demichelis signed a deal through June 2028, marking a swift return to Germany for the ex-Bayern Munich defender who played 259 competitive games for the club.

“Martin combines a clear footballing philosophy with intensity and outstanding expertise. 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.”

Werner's abrupt exit

Ole Werner was dismissed on Wednesday just days after the Bundesliga season ended. Despite leading Leipzig to a third-place finish (some sources say fourth) and Champions League qualification, internal differences prompted the decision. Werner, 38, had overseen a squad rebuild following the sales of Xavi Simons, Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda, while developing talents like Christoph Baumgartner, Antonio Nusa and Yan Diomande, the latter now a target for Liverpool.

The surprise sacking reportedly had the backing of Red Bull's head of soccer Jürgen Klopp and supervisory board chairman Oliver Mintzlaff, who felt a change was necessary after just one year.

Demichelis's coaching journey

Demichelis began his coaching career as an assistant at Málaga, then worked with Bayern Munich's youth teams and second side in the Regionalliga. His first senior role came at boyhood club River Plate in 2022, where he delivered a league and cup double in his debut season. After a stint at Monterrey in Mexico, he took the Mallorca job in February 2026 but could not prevent relegation from La Liga. Despite that, he extended his contract at Mallorca in late May before Leipzig moved.

Demichelis on the move

"I have received other important offers that I decided not to accept, but the possibility of taking on a new professional challenge presented itself, one that connects to a very important chapter of my career and my life," Demichelis said via social media, thanking Mallorca for their respect and affection.

He was similarly upbeat in Leipzig: "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.”

High stakes and scepticism

Demichelis inherits a team that punched above its weight after selling top scorers. While his knowledge of German and the Bundesliga environment is a plus, the appointment has drawn some scepticism due to his limited track record in European top-flight management. The New York Times noted that Werner's player development success raised further questions about his departure, and Demichelis faces the task of maintaining Champions League momentum with a squad that will again be tested by the transfer market.