RB Leipzig sacks coach Ole Werner despite Champions League qualification

RB Leipzig has dismissed head coach Ole Werner, a decision announced on Wednesday, just days after the club secured a third-place finish in the Bundesliga and a spot in next season's Champions League. The move comes as a surprise given the team's successful qualification for Europe's premier club competition.

Werner, 38, was appointed last June, taking over from Werder Bremen. His tenure at Leipzig was marked by a significant squad rebuild following the departure of several key players. During his time at the helm, he managed 38 competitive matches for the club.

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We have spent the past few days carrying out a thorough final review of the recent season. On Tuesday evening, we decided that a change of head coach was needed.

In a statement, Leipzig's managing director for sport, Marcel Schaefer, explained the club's decision. "We have spent the past few days carrying out a thorough final review of the recent season," Schaefer said. "On Tuesday evening, we decided that a change of head coach was needed."

Schaefer acknowledged Werner's contribution to the team's rebuild and Champions League qualification. However, he added, "Nevertheless, we believe the challenges ahead require new ideas and a different approach." Werner becomes the seventh permanent head coach for RB Leipzig since their promotion to the Bundesliga in 2016. The club has stated that details regarding his successor and the new coaching staff will be announced in due course.

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They played a major role in our successful rebuild and in qualifying for the Champions League. Nevertheless, we believe the challenges ahead require new ideas and a different approach.