Meet the new Bundesliga head coaches for the 2026/27 season
After an eventful summer, the 2026/27 Bundesliga campaign is now upon us. Five of the league's 18 clubs have made changes not only on the pitch but also off it. We have the lowdown on the new head coaches set to grace the touchline this season.
Martín Demichelis (RB Leipzig)
The Argentine is back in the Bundesliga. Sixteen years after leaving Bayern Munich as a player, Demichelis is making his comeback - only this time, as a coach. It was at Bayern's Under-23 side that he made his coaching bow before joining River Plate in 2022.
After winning a league title with the South American giants, Demichelis had challenging stints at Monterrey and Mallorca, failing to keep the latter in La Liga last season despite an upturn in form under his leadership.
"Coming to a big Bundesliga club was always a dream of mine as a coach," said Demichelis, who is taking over from Ole Werner at the Saxony club.
The new coach can look forward to competing in three different competitions, as Leipzig qualified for the UEFA Champions League last season after a one-year absence. "We are still a long way from where we want to be. We have big goals. A new era begins today," said Leipzig’s Managing Director of Sport, Marcel Schäfer.
Watch: Martín Demichelis arrives in Leipzig
Carles Martínez (Bayer Leverkusen)
After they failed to qualify for the Champions League last season, Leverkusen have tasked Martínez with leading them back into the top four. The Spaniard first made a name for himself working in Barcelona’s youth setup before finding success at French club Toulouse, leading them back into Europe.
At Leverkusen, he inherits a squad packed with talented players. Combined with an attacking philosophy to match, his approach could pave the way for a more successful season for Die Werkself.
"We want to be proactive, playing an aggressive style with a focus on possession. You’re better when you have the ball; possession allows you to create plenty of chances. We want to apply pressure and ensure our opponents feel that Leverkusen is a big club. Achieving this requires great effort and hard work. We want to make our fans proud with good football," Martínez stated.
Adi Hütter (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Eintracht Frankfurt are also looking to bounce back from an underwhelming 2025/26 season. Under the motto "Back to the Future", the club are aiming to bring sporting success back to the city on the Main by reuniting with a familiar face in the dugout. Hütter is taking charge of the Eagles for the second time since 2018.
During his first stint in Frankfurt, Hütter was synonymous with high-intensity attacking football, aggressive pressing, and thrilling European nights. Under his leadership, Eintracht reached the Europa League semi-finals in 2019 and evolved into a team capable of challenging Europe's elite.
The 55-year-old left no doubt during his unveiling about his fondness for the German club: "The time we spent together in Frankfurt left a lasting mark on me - I never forgot it. Looking back, I always felt that my work there wasn't finished."
Watch: Adi Hütter 'happy to be back' at Frankfurt
Mauro Lustrinelli (Union Berlin)
At Union Berlin, the appointment of a new head coach is accompanied by a change in footballing philosophies. Historically known for their compact, counter-attacking style, the team are now set to adopt a new, more offensive approach.
"The decision to change the style of football played in recent years was a risky one. Initially, it entails more risks than opportunities. However, we see greater potential in the long run. That is why we remain convinced of the path we have chosen," says Union President Dirk Zingler, fully aware of the significance of these changes.
On paper, new head coach Lustrinelli possesses all the qualities needed for such a transition. During his time at FC Thun - whom he led to the Swiss Super League title in their very first season after promotion to the top flight - he impressed with a brand of football characterised by vertical attacking and high pressing.
Wagner is not exactly a newcomer to the Cologne coaching staff. After all, the 37-year-old took over as interim coach back in March following the dismissal of Lukas Kwasniok and steered the Billy Goats to safety during the season's final stretch. Following extensive discussions during the summer break, the club appointed Wagner as their new permanent head coach.
"Securing our place in the league laid the foundation for taking another step - together with the team and, indeed, the entire club - towards becoming a stable Bundesliga side," says the Wagner, acknowledging the importance of last season. Naturally, everyone associated with Cologne will be hoping the side can secure Bundesliga safety a lot sooner this time around.
