BERLIN, June 22 (Xinhua) -- RB Leipzig has appointed former Argentina defender Martin Demichelis as its new head coach, handing the 45-year-old a contract until 2028 after parting company with Ole Werner despite Champions League qualification, the Bundesliga club announced on Monday.
Demichelis arrives from Spanish side RCD Mallorca, where he took charge late last season and could not prevent relegation despite five wins, an eight-match unbeaten run and strong displays against leading opponents, including a victory over Real Madrid.
Leipzig moved for Demichelis after separating from Werner last Wednesday, just one year into his spell. Werner had guided the club into the Champions League and averaged 1.91 points per game, the third-best mark among Leipzig's Bundesliga coaches.
The club said a fresh approach was needed for the tasks ahead, with sporting managing director Marcel Schaefer pointing to Demichelis's varied background.
"With Martin Demichelis, we are gaining a head coach who has gathered experience as a player and coach in Europe, South America and North America and worked at the highest level," Schaefer said. "This international perspective fits RB Leipzig very well and our global orientation."
Schaefer said Demichelis combined "a clear playing idea with high intensity and technical competence", adding that Leipzig was convinced he could give the squad important impetus and help shape the club's development.
Demichelis began coaching as an assistant at Malaga and worked with Bayern Munich's youth and reserve teams before returning to Argentina to take charge of River Plate, his boyhood club. In his debut season as a senior head coach, he led River to the Argentine championship and two cup triumphs.
He later coached Mexican side CF Monterrey, reaching the league final, before taking over Mallorca in February. "RB Leipzig is an ambitious club with a clear idea, outstanding talents and the ambition to keep developing at the highest level," Demichelis said. "I want to build a team that plays brave, intense and attractive football."
Demichelis is due to oversee his first Leipzig training session on July 13, after player performance tests starting July 11. His competitive debut is expected in the German Cup first round at Eintracht Trier in mid-August. ■
