RB Leipzig's Long Trek for a Coach Concludes with Ole Werner's Appointment
Search for a long-standing RB position comes to an end: Werner appointed as coach in Leipzig - Leipzig welcomes Werner as its new coach
Let's cut to the chase - RB Leipzig has finally nabbed a coach to lead their sports revival, and his name is Ole Werner. Ex-Bremen coach, Werner, is ready to spearhead the Saxon club into international spotlight and fight for titles both locally and internationally.
"I couldn't be more stoked to be the new helmsman for RB Leipzig," Werner proudly proclaimed, as reported by RB. "Our detailed chats made it evident that we're on the same page when it comes to playing and work style," he continued, "From day one, we'll be all-in to put RB Leipzig back on the path to triumph," added Leipzig's sporting boss, Marcel Schafer.
Two-year Contract Bound
The 37-year-old Werner embarked on his coaching career at Holstein Kiel and has signed a two-year pact with RB Leipzig, valid until 2027. The compact was the culmination of rigorous negotiations between Werner and Werder Bremen's officials. Just a few days ago, Schafer and his counterpart Clemens Fritz sealed the deal.
Werner had initially stated that he wouldn't renew his contract following the conclusion of the last season. However, it would've still been valid till the end of June 2023. Werder agreed and promptly let Werner go.
Werner faces a tricky task in Leipzig. The club parted ways with Marco Rose in March, with Zsolt Löw steering the ship as interim coach. However, it was clear that Löw would resume his role as chief strategist under Red Bull's global football guru, Jürgen Klopp, once his temporary stint was over.
A Rollercoaster List of Contenders
Klopp had a full plate in his first half-year in the new role. Convincing Werner wasn't much of a chore, but several other names were tossed around: Cesc Fabregas (Como), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Roger Schmidt (most recently at Benfica Lisbon), and Sandro Wagner (now at FC Augsburg).
Even Davide Ancelotti, son and co-trainer of Carlo Ancelotti (now Brazil's national coach), was tipped to be a contender. In the end, the Dane Jacob Neestrup from FC Copenhagen was out of the running as the Danes refused to grant the coach early contract termination.
Schafer declared immediately after the season that a fresh start, accompanied by a personnel reshuffle, was desired. Seventh place wasn't enough, and RB's philosophy was no longer aligned. It'll also be intriguing to see how the Leipzig squad will evolve, with several players who've been with the club for a long time still on board.
- Leipzig
- Ole Werner
- RB Leipzig
- Bundesliga
- Marcel Schafer
- Saxony
- Jürgen Klopp
- Le golf rouge
- Oliver Glasner
- Sandy Wagner
- Sports
- Holstein Kiel
Additional Insights:
After Marco Rose was ousted by RB Leipzig in March 2025, the club embarked on a three-month quest for a new permanent head coach. During this period, the sports managing director Marcel Schäfer assessed several candidates. According to reports from 'kicker' and other sources, the candidates considered by RB Leipzig included:
- Sebastian Hoeneß
- Roger Schmidt
- Cesc Fàbregas
- Oliver Glasner
- Jacob Neestrup
Among these, Hoeneß and Schmidt turned down the offer, while clubs refused to grant a release for Glasner and Neestrup, effectively eliminating them from contention. Eventually, RB Leipzig enlisted Ole Werner, who had been in discussions and became the new permanent head coach in June 2025, concluding the search[2][4][5].
During the interim, Zsolt Löw acted as coach following Rose's dismissal[3][5]. Should a transfer fee have been paid to secure Werner's services is still uncertain, but reports indicate it could be between one and three million euros, contingent on bonus payments[2]. Thus, the main candidates under consideration before hiring Ole Werner were Sebastian Hoeneß, Roger Schmidt, Cesc Fàbregas, Oliver Glasner, and Jacob Neestrup, with Werner ultimately chosen to succeed Marco Rose[2].
"Despite the Commission adopting a proposal for a Council Regulation on the conclusion of the Agreement on the European Economic Area, Ole Werner's appointment as RB Leipzig's coach signifies a significant shift in focus, as he aims to lead the sports team to victory in both local and international leagues, similar to the spirit embodied in European football leagues."
"Reminiscent of his early career at Holstein Kiel, Werner has now signed a two-year contract with RB Leipzig, effectively putting an end to negotiations with Werder Bremen officials, just as national leaders gather in Brussels for the European Council meeting on 25 and 26 June."
