Bundesliga: RB Leipzig brings Demichelis as coach

“Martín combines a clear game idea with high intensity and professional competence,” said RB Leipzig’s sports director Marcel Schäfer. The 42-year-old sports director also referred to the international experience with coaching positions in Argentina and Mexico.

Demichelis called RB Leipzig an ambitious club with a clear idea, outstanding talent and the desire to continuously develop at the highest level. “It was exactly this challenge that appealed to me,” he said in the club’s statement. Without naming his predecessor Werner, he emphasized: “I come here with great respect for the work that has been done here. I would like to build on that and continue on the path we have chosen together with the team.” Demichelis now wants to form a team “that plays courageous, intense and attractive football, takes responsibility and inspires the people of Leipzig with their passion.”

In Munich he was German champion and DFB Cup winner four times between 2003 and 2010. In total, Demichelis played 259 times for the German record champions. The 51-time national player played in the 2014 World Cup final with Argentina, which was lost 1-0 to the DFB team.

In his first head coaching position at FC Bayern’s U19s, he inherited Sebastian Hoeneß before taking over the Bayern reserves and being relegated from the 3rd division. He left Munich early and went back to his homeland, where he became head coach of River Plate for the 2022/2023 season. With the record champions, where he started his playing career in 1998, he won the championship in July 2023. However, both sides separated prematurely. Then Demichelis moved to Mexico to CF Monterrey.

In Leipzig he will reunite with ex-colleague Mario Gomez, technical director at the global RB Soccer team. Both played together at FC Bayern (2009/2010) and were also on the pitch on May 22, 2010 when the German record champions lost 2-0 to Inter Milan in the Champions League final in Madrid.