New RB Leipzig head coach Martín Demichelis: 'We want to play aggressively'
Martín Demichelis held his first press conference following his appointment as RB Leipzig head coach earlier this month, revealing his excitement to be back in Germany, his objectives with the club, and much more...
Demichelis was appointed as Ole Werner's successor following the latter's dismissal after the end of the 2025/26 season, and the Argentinian was delighted to get underway, stating, "You can immediately feel the energy of this club. That’s why I’m very proud to be here."
Sitting alongside his team's new coach, Leipzig managing director for sport Marcel Schäfer added, "We have found a coach who stands for intensity, clarity and maximum commitment. He will develop our team, but also challenge them and demand everything from them in order to be successful together."
Watch: Demichelis arrives in Leipzig
The 51-time Argentina international is best known in Germany for his seven-year stint with Bayern Munich, where he won four Bundesliga titles and as many DFB Cups, and it is clear he is relishing his return to the country where he enjoyed so much success.
"It's almost like a second home," he explained. "Coming to Germany, to the Bundesliga and to a top club is a dream come true for me."
But what can Leipzig fans expect from their team under the 45-year-old? When asked how he wants his side to play, he was clear and concise in his answer. "Intensity is an important part of Leipzig's identity. For me, this includes passion, courageous and attacking football, but also aggression. We want to play aggressively going forward, defend bravely and be present in every situation."
"I want to contribute my experience and help us improve in the details – with the ball, but also without the ball. We want to be compact, defend aggressively going forward and bring our own game to the pitch."
Demichelis will now look to implement that philosophy ahead of his first competitive game at the Leipzig helm against Eintracht Trier in the DFB Cup first round on 22 August before their Bundesliga campaign kicks off the following weekend with a clash against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
