RB Leipzig keep faith in coach Marcel Werner despite 'future' speculation

Questions have been raised about Werner's position despite guiding Leipzig through his first season in charge. 

RB Leipzig finished in 3rd place in the official Bundesliga table for the recently concluded 2025-26 season. Reports have also suggested there are differing opinions within the club about whether to extend his stay.

However, Schafer stressed that the club remains relaxed about the situation because Werner is already under contract until 2027.

"Good performances are rewarded here," Schafer told Sport Bild. "But we have only recently had our first longer discussions since the season ended. We are analysing the season and planning for the future, and that process will take time. We are under no pressure because Ole's contract runs until 2027."

Schafer also highlighted several areas where he believes Werner has made a significant impact since arriving at the club.

According to the Leipzig chief, one of the biggest improvements was the consistency Werner brought to the team. Leipzig largely stuck to the same tactical system throughout the campaign and relied on a settled starting line-up.

"Ole introduced many of the things that were missing the previous season," Schafer said. "There was consistency in our tactical structure and very few changes to the starting eleven. That may not always make the players on the bench happy, but successful teams usually rely on a strong core group."

Schafer added that Leipzig adapted quickly to Werner's tactical ideas, even during difficult periods of the season.

"We made rapid progress tactically, even if we did not always play well," he explained. "During the difficult spell around the winter break, we stayed calm and never moved away from our plan."

The sporting director reserved his strongest praise for Werner's ability to unite the squad.

"Above all, Ole turned our players into a real team," Schafer said. "For me, that is the biggest difference compared to the previous year. His calm and straightforward approach helped us enormously during an important phase."