Ex-RB Leipzig coach Ole Werner calls departure 'an honor' and 'new opportunity'

Ole Werner has broken his silence following his dismissal from RB Leipzig, sharing a message of thanks and optimism on LinkedIn. The coach, who led the team to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification in his single season, described the year as one he looks back on "very positively."

Werner stated his mandate was to return RB to European competition, change the team's style of play, and build a stable locker room hierarchy. He asserted that these goals were collectively achieved, noting that many had doubted their success a year prior. "The club is back on track!" he declared.

He extended his thanks to Sporting Director Marcel Schäfer for their "trusting and intensive cooperation." While media speculation points to former Bayern player Martin Demichelis as his successor, Werner concluded his post by framing the separation as a chance for new beginnings and personal development. "For some, it is certainly a new opportunity," he wrote. "To those for whom this decision causes uncertainty, I want to say that change, in my eyes, is primarily the opportunity to learn something new and to grow as a person. Seize this opportunity!"

Werner's departure comes despite a successful season that saw RB Leipzig secure a Champions League spot. The club has not yet officially commented on Werner's replacement.