The Argentine becomes RB Leipzig’s eighth permanent head coach since the club earned promotion to the Bundesliga in the 2016-17 season. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

RB Leipzig has appointed Martin Demichelis as its head coach, the German club announced on Monday, with the Argentine signing a contract until June 2028.

Demichelis replaces Ole Werner, who was sacked last week despite leading Leipzig to a third-place finish in the Bundesliga last season and securing qualification for next season’s Champions League.

The Argentine becomes RB Leipzig’s eighth permanent head coach since the club earned promotion to the Bundesliga in the 2016-17 season.

Demichelis began his coaching career as an assistant at Malaga before working with Bayern Munich’s youth teams. He took on his first senior managerial role at boyhood club River Plate ahead of the 2022-23 season, guiding the Buenos Aires side to the Argentine league title.

Most recently, he managed relegation-threatened Spanish side Mallorca after taking charge in February until the end of the season. Despite overseeing five wins and an eight-match unbeaten run, Demichelis was unable to keep the club in La Liga.

“RB Leipzig are an ambitious club with a clear identity, outstanding talent and a determination to keep improving at the highest level. That is exactly the kind of challenge I was looking for,” the 45-year-old said in a statement.

“I’m also really looking forward to leading RB Leipzig in the Champions League. Testing ourselves against Europe’s best is an incredible challenge and exactly where a club with RB Leipzig’s ambition and quality belongs. I can’t wait to share those special nights with the team.”

Demichelis spent the majority of his playing career at Bayern Munich, making 259 appearances and winning four Bundesliga titles and four German Cups.

He also played for River Plate, Malaga, Atletico Madrid, Espanyol and Manchester City, where he won the Premier League in 2014. He earned 51 caps for Argentina and was part of the side that finished runner-up at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Published on Jun 23, 2026