RB Leipzig starts with Ole Werner: Klopp is closely monitoring the new coach!

RB Leipzig starts with Ole Werner: Klopp is closely monitoring the new coach!

On Monday afternoon, Ole Werner led his first training session as head coach of RB Leipzig. Training began at 3 p.m. under the eyes of numerous fans and Jürgen Klopp, Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull. The unit followed performance tests conducted over the weekend. After the warm-up phase, the focus was on intensive runs, ball work and a final game.

Werner, who was previously coach of Werder Bremen, emphasized the importance of creating a solid physical foundation and bringing clarity to the various game systems. He was also supported by new recruits Ezechiel Banzuzi and Max Fingkräfe, who have already made a positive impression. Klopp was happy with the team's progress and spoke about the missed European Cup qualification, which he sees as an opportunity.

A new start at RB Leipzig

Ole Werner has been hired as RB Leipzig's new coach for the 2025/26 season after turning down a contract extension with Werder Bremen. Surprisingly for many, Werner said that he had not planned to change clubs, but was contacted early on by Marcel and RB Leipzig. In his first press conference he took the opportunity to outline his plans.

The desired style of play under Werner should be active, aggressive and offensive, with a strong focus on high pressure and attack. The coach's main goal is to qualify for European competitions again and not set any limits to success. However, the final squad composition he will work with is still unclear.

Personnel issues and transfer activities

RB Leipzig is quite active in squad planning. The squad currently consists of around 35 players, although the aim is to reduce it to around 25-26 players. Marcel Schäfer, managing director of the club, confirmed that the players are informed about their respective situations. Timo Werner, who has no place in the team after returning from Tottenham Hotspur, has been linked with a move to the NY Red Bulls.

In addition, Yussuf Poulsen, a club legend, is reportedly in talks with Hamburger SV. Other players such as Benjamin Šeško and Xavi Simons could also leave the club. The final squad composition and the associated decisions are expected at the start of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season.

The first friendly match for RB Leipzig is next Saturday when they face regional league team ZFC Meuselwitz. This test will provide a first opportunity to see the newly formed squad in action and gain insight into Ole Werner's playing philosophy.