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In a stunning and somber turn of events, RB Leipzig’s newly appointed head coach Ole Werner and Chief Business Officer Johann Plenge today addressed the media with shocking news — the club’s financial crisis has escalated into an existential threat.
Ketzer Shockwave Hits Leipzig
Ole Werner, only weeks into his tenure, stated that despite the optimism that followed his appointment on June 24, 2025, RB Leipzig is facing a dire shortfall, severely hampering its ability to compete even domestically. The club reportedly finished seventh in the 2024–25 Bundesliga campaign—its worst since being promoted in 2016—leading to the loss of European football revenue for the upcoming season (reuters.com).
Werner expressed deep regret as he revealed that negotiations for his transfer and relocation to Leipzig strained the club budget, with initial release fee demands reportedly as high as €9 million—though ultimately settled under €500,000, sources confirm tension remained between the clubs during negotiations (getfootballnewsgermany.com, tribuna.com, werder.de). Now, Werner warns, cost-cutting must go much deeper.
Executive Apology and Outlook
Johann Plenge, CBO, took over to outline how RB Leipzig must slash investment across multiple departments: youth development, scouting, and transfers will all face severe curtailment. He warned that an immediate 30 percent budget cut is needed simply to stay afloat. Staff layoffs and infrastructure spending freezes are reportedly imminent.
“This is not a simple restructuring,” Plenge said. “What we face now is survival.” He further admitted to miscalculations in preseason planning and overestimating future revenues. The announcement included mention of a potential shortfall in revenue of up to €70 million if the club remains absent from European competition (reddit.com, reuters.com).
Coach Carl Werner’s Response
Ole Werner acknowledged the emotional toll this takes: “I came here to build momentum—but the club is fighting powerful headwinds. We may soon be forced to field less experienced players and possibly reduce first-team coaching staff.”
Observers note this stark announcement comes barely six weeks into Werner’s tenure, which began amidst fanfare over his structured, possession-based philosophy fit for a club run under Jürgen Klopp’s influence and Red Bull’s global football vision (dawn.com).
What Comes Next?
RB Leipzig’s management confirmed that an emergency task force will meet later this week to draft immediate austerity plans. Strategic targets include stabilizing finances ahead of the next Bundesliga campaign—and avoiding collapse in the domestic game.
As fans and analysts digest the gravity of today’s revelations, one thing remains clear: RB Leipzig’s golden era may now be replaced by a fight for survival.
reuters.com
