RB Leipzig have signed Martín Demichelis as coach on a two-year contract in succession of Ole Werner, the Bundesliga club said on Monday.
Former Argentina and Bayern Munich defender Demichelis, 45, was reportedly the preferred candidate at last season's third-place finishers.
He last coached at Spanish club Mallorca and has also had terms at clubs including River Plate and Monterrey. Other clubs he played for include Manchester City and Atletico Madrid.
“Martín Demichelis brings experience of working at the highest level as both a player and manager in Europe, South America and North America. That international perspective is an excellent fit for RB Leipzig and our global outlook," Leipzig managing director for sport Marcel Schäfer said.
"Martín combines a clear footballing philosophy with intensity and outstanding expertise. We are convinced that he will bring fresh impetus to the team and play a key role in the club’s continued success and development.”
Demichelis said: "I was won over by my discussions with the club and its sporting vision. RB Leipzig are an ambitious club with a clear identity, outstanding talent and a determination to keep improving at the highest level. That is exactly the kind of challenge I was looking for.
"I have enormous respect for the work that has been done here. I want to build on those foundations and take the next steps together with the team.
"I want to create a side that plays bold, intense and exciting football, takes responsibility on the pitch and inspires the people of Leipzig with its passion."
Werner had to go last week after one year although he led the club back into Europe in the form of a Champions League berth by finishing third in the past Bundesliga season. Schäfer said that "the challenges ahead require new ideas and a different approach."
Looking at the Champions League, Demichelis said: "Testing ourselves against Europe’s best is an incredible challenge and exactly where a club with RB Leipzig’s ambition and quality belongs. I can’t wait to share those special nights with the team.”
