Official: Martín Demichelis new coach of RB Leipzig

The successor to the surprisingly dismissed Ole Werner signed an Xy contract on XY. The Argentine most recently coached the Spanish relegated RCD Mallorca and can leave the club thanks to his release clause. The 45-year-old knows the Bundesliga very well – but only as a player. He played at FC Bayern Munich between 2003 and 2010, among others, together with Mario Gomez, the technical director at Red Bull Soccer.

Demichelis’ style suits RB

Demichelis also took his first coaching steps in Germany. He initially coached the U19 and later the U23 of FC Bayern Munich. In 2022 he moved to his home country and led River Plate to the Argentine championship. That was his greatest success as a coach to date.

Despite the manageable (success) record, the RB bosses around Jürgen Klopp are relying on Demichelis. The ex-Bayern defender plays offensive possession football and high pressing, which is exactly what suits RB.

“I was attracted to the challenge”

The Argentine is looking forward to his new task: “I was convinced by the discussions with those responsible and the sporting vision. RB Leipzig is an ambitious club with a clear idea, outstanding talent and the desire to continuously develop at the highest level. It was precisely this challenge that appealed to me,” the new coach is quoted as saying in a press release.

RBL Managing Director Sport Marcel Schäfert announced: “With Martín Demichelis we are gaining a head coach who has gained experience as a player and coach in Europe, South America and North America and has worked at the highest level. This international perspective fits perfectly with RB Leipzig and its global orientation.”

Werner sacked despite qualifying for the Champions League

With the dismissal of Werner in the middle of the summer break, RB caused a bang because he had achieved his goal in terms of sport and led Leipzig back to the Champions League. Nevertheless, there were concerns as to whether Werner’s game idea would be sufficient for the coming season with the triple burden of the Bundesliga, DFB Cup and Champions League. In the end, the decision-makers came to the conclusion: It wasn’t enough, Werner was fired.

The manner of the dismissal was undignified and probably did not make RB any more attractive to top coaches. “RB actually wanted to go into the top coaching department, but they can’t get anyone there. RB’s demands on the coach are that he should have class, he should have charisma and, ideally, look great, but at the same time be flexible. That’s worth it,” said RB expert Guido Schäfer.

sst/pm