Ole Werner expressed disappointment over his unexpected dismissal from RB Leipzig, citing the inability to personally bid farewell to staff. He reflected on a successful tenure that secured Champions League qualification.
The dismissal of a successful coach, particularly one who secured Champions League football, highlights potential internal disagreements or strategic shifts within RB Leipzig's management, impacting team morale and future performance.
Former RB Leipzig coach Ole Werner has expressed his dissatisfaction following his unexpected dismissal from the club, stating that the timing of the decision prevented him from personally bidding farewell to staff.
Werner, along with his assistant coaches Tom Cichon and Patrick Kohlmann, was fired on Wednesday, despite leading the team to third place in the Bundesliga and securing Champions League qualification in his debut season. Red Bull head of soccer Jürgen Klopp, who made the decision with Leipzig supervisory board chairman Oliver Mintzlaff, cited the need to look forward.
In a letter posted on LinkedIn, the 38-year-old Werner reflected on his tenure, describing it as "very positive." He stated his mandate was to change the team's demeanor and style of play while establishing a new hierarchy, a task he believes was successfully fulfilled. Werner's 20 wins and five draws from 34 Bundesliga matches yielded more points than any previous Leipzig coach in their first season.
Werner specifically thanked Leipzig's sporting director Marcel Schäfer in his letter but made no mention of Klopp or Mintzlaff. The club is reportedly considering Mallorca coach Martin Demichelis as Werner's successor. Werner was previously dismissed from his role at Werder Bremen after declining to extend his contract.