RB Leipzig Looks to Bounce Back After Tough Season

New coach Ole Werner and sporting director Marcel Schafer aim to rebuild the squad and develop more homegrown talent

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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After a disappointing 7th place finish in the Bundesliga last season, RB Leipzig have undergone a reset. They sold several key players and brought in new manager Ole Werner, who has instilled a renewed sense of team unity. The club is also focused on developing more homegrown talent through their academy, led by new head David Wagner. With the support of global soccer head Jurgen Klopp, Leipzig are hoping this season marks a new beginning for the club.

Why it matters

RB Leipzig's rapid rise in German football has made them a divisive club, but their ability to challenge the Bundesliga's elite depends on developing their own talent and maintaining a cohesive team identity. After last season's struggles, this reset is crucial for the club to reach its full potential.

The details

Leipzig sold Benjamin Sesko, Xavi Simons and Lois Openda in the summer, and brought in new manager Ole Werner, previously of Werder Bremen. Werner has implemented a new system focused on using athletic wingers, which has allowed players like Christoph Baumgartner and Yan Diomande to thrive. The club has also made other signings like Johan Bakayoko, Romulo and Conrad Harder. Meanwhile, the club opened a new state-of-the-art office building and is working to improve their academy under new head David Wagner, with the goal of producing more homegrown first-team players.

  • Leipzig limped home in 7th place in the Bundesliga last season, their lowest finish since 2016.
  • Marco Rose was sacked as manager in March 2025.
  • Ole Werner was named as the new head coach in the summer of 2025.
  • Leipzig won 7 of their first 9 league games to start the 2025-26 season.
  • Leipzig face Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal quarter-finals on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Marcel Schafer

The sporting director of RB Leipzig, responsible for the club's transfer strategy and player recruitment.

Ole Werner

The 37-year-old manager of RB Leipzig, previously in charge of Werder Bremen.

Jurgen Klopp

The global head of soccer for the Red Bull multi-club system, who has provided valuable input on Leipzig's playing style and recruitment.

David Wagner

The new head of RB Leipzig's academy, tasked with developing more homegrown talent for the first team.

Yan Diomande

The 19-year-old Ivorian winger who joined Leipzig in the summer and has emerged as one of Europe's most promising young players.

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What they’re saying

“The most important lesson was that we had to build a team. We have always tried to create winning situations, but the most important thing compared to last year is that everyone, both inside the club and even those in the stadium, has the feeling that there's now a team on the pitch. There's a group of players, with the ball and without the ball, who have common goals.”

— Marcel Schafer, Sporting Director (nytimes.com)

“At both clubs, it was the same. Neither was the strongest economically, but he developed individual players and he developed teams. For a coach, he's young — 37 — and he's hungry. He still has potential, and that was the profile we were looking for in a coach, with all the people here we have who can provide support.”

— Marcel Schafer, Sporting Director (nytimes.com)

What’s next

Leipzig face a crucial match against Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal quarter-finals on Wednesday, February 12, 2026, which will be an important test of their progress under manager Ole Werner.

The takeaway

RB Leipzig's reset this season, with a new manager, revamped squad, and renewed focus on developing homegrown talent, represents an opportunity for the club to solidify its place among the Bundesliga's elite and overcome its divisive reputation through on-field success and a stronger connection to the local community.