Ole Werner cites relationship with Jürgen Klopp as key reason for RB Leipzig’s success | OneFootball

Ole Werner confirmed that good communication with Jürgen Klopp is one of the factors for RB Leipzig’s successful campaign. The former Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund coach is currently the Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull GmbH.

“My relationship with Klopp is very good,” Werner said in an interview with Bundesliga. “I think that was also a key reason for us doing so well this year. We’ve talked a lot about the style of play and tactical things.

“It’s good for me to get to learn from someone who’s seen it all as a coach. He’s close to us, but also has more of an external perspective. I think that’s really helped us this year.”

Werner coached in the Bundesliga for three seasons at Werder Bremen before taking over the role at RB Leipzig. “Compared to my previous clubs, it’s a structure that thinks globally,” Werner said of his current club in comparison with Holstein Kiel and Werder Bremen.

“It’s a club that has a global idea embedded into it. That also means you have more prominent names working within the club who help make decisions than at my previous clubs. You have a much more international squad as well.”

Werner continued with his comparison before finding similarities between the clubs. “You’ve got a much younger team than at my two previous clubs. Those are differences. But my job from Monday to Sunday is basically very similar with training work, preparing players for matches, developing players, and leading a team. That’s pretty similar everywhere you go.”

In his interview with Bundesliga, Werner also addressed critics in his line of work. “It’s not my job to be too concerned about criticism,” he said before explaining his point. “As someone who didn’t have a big playing career, I think I’ve had it throughout my career. Maybe because you never proved you could work at that level, you’re always followed by doubters.”

Werner was under immense pressure at RB Leipzig when results didn’t go their way at the start of 2026. However, they are now qualified for the Champions League after six wins from the last seven games, starting with a 5-0 victory over TSG Hoffenheim.

“But at the end of the day, my coaching staff and I have improved every year. We’ve continuously stepped things up. That’s very positive on the one hand. On the other hand, that also isn’t our primary goal. Our goal is that we do our job for the team, for the club, and help them achieve their goal.”