RB Leipzig appoint Martín Demichelis as new head coach
RB Leipzig have confirmed the appointment of Martín Demichelis as their new head coach, with the former Bayern Munich and Argentina defender signing a contract until 30 June 2028 and replacing Ole Werner after a year in charge.
Demichelis replaces Werner despite Leipzig returning to the top four in his only season in charge, finishing the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign in third place.
The 45-year-old, who made 174 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern between 2003 and 2010, has three years experience coaching in Bayern's youth and reserve ranks, while his most recent role has been coach of Mallorca in Spain's La Liga since February this year.
Leipzig managing director for sport Marcel Schäfer said: "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, working at the highest level.
"Martín combines a clear playing philosophy with high intensity and professional expertise. We are convinced that he will give our team important impetus and play a key role in shaping the club's continued success.”
Demichelis, who won the Bundesliga four times in his playing days, said: "I was convinced by the discussions with the management and the sporting vision. RB Leipzig is an ambitious club with a clear idea, outstanding talent, and the ambition to continuously develop at the highest level. This challenge is precisely what attracted me.
"I come with great respect for the work that has been done here. I want to build on that and continue along the path we've started together with the team. I want to create a team that plays courageous, intense, and attractive football, takes responsibility, and inspires the people of Leipzig with its passion."
Demichelis is expected to lead Leipzig training for the first time when the club returns to pre-season on 13 July. He will have his first touchline experiences at the club in friendlies against Ingolstadt and SC Verl, while a final warm-up match against his former side Bayern is on the agenda on 15 August. His competitive debut in the dugout will be away to Eintracht Trier in the DFB Cup first round on the weekend of 21-24 August.
The 2026/27 Bundesliga starts the following weekend before Leipzig open their UEFA Champions League campaign in the league phase in September.
