Martin Demichelis appointed RB Leipzig head coach with Klopp's backing

RB Leipzig have confirmed Martin Demichelis as their new head coach after a swift search following Ole Werner’s dismissal. The 45-year-old Argentine has signed a contract running until June 2028, and takes charge five days after the club parted company with Werner.

Leipzig triggered a release clause in Demichelis’s Mallorca deal to secure his services; he had signed an extension there three weeks earlier. The former Manchester City and Bayern Munich defender brings managerial experience in Spain, Mexico and Argentina. The appointment carried strong backing from Jurgen Klopp, who had grown critical of Werner as their professional relationship became heavily strained.

Demichelis was Klopp’s priority choice, the pair having built a personal bond playing padel tennis in Mallorca, and Klopp values the Argentinian’s high-pressing tactical philosophy that aligns with the club’s footballing identity. Financially, Demichelis accepted a base salary of around €2m, below the €2.5m package previously paid to Werner.

Germany, Leipzig

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