Leipzig have been forced into a public statement after back-to-back defeats for new coach Martin Demichelis.
The energy-drink created side followed up a shocking 3-1 Bundesliga loss to Werder Bremen with an embarrassing 4-1 defeat against Como in the Champions League.
Speaking out afterwards, CEO Marcel Schäfer didn’t exactly come out fighting for his head coach.
Leipzig statement on Demichelis
“We have, of course, taken note of the discussions surrounding our club in the media and on social networks over the past few days,” he said.
“We are very ambitious and, at the same time, critical of ourselves. The last two results do not meet our expectations – we know that, and we are not trying to sugarcoat it. We are addressing this very clearly internally.
“A newly assembled team needs time to gel and develop its processes.
“We are confident in our squad and we know the quality and potential of this team.
“Now it’s about drawing the right conclusions together, continuing to work hard, and steering the development in the right direction in the coming weeks.”
The news may not come as much of a surprise in Argentina where Demichelis became incredibly unpopular at River Plate despite a trophy-winning first season.
At Real Mallorca he showed signs of his talent, but ultimately got the side relegated from LaLiga.
Nevertheless, former ‘Red Bull Head of Global Soccer’, Jurgen Klopp, was reportedly desperate to get him in.
The now-Germany coach worked as a TV pundit during the World Cup and admitted his role in moving aside Ole Werner, only to then replace him with the underwhelming Demichelis.
Klopp’s involvement in Leipzig coaching changes
Speaking on TV at the time, Klopp said: “We are acting in an advisory capacity as the Global Team.
“But of course, advisory means that we were involved in the decision-making process.
“We analysed the season. Ole did a great job, we qualified for the Champions League. But we also have to look ahead at the same time.
“When we considered what the workload might look like, then the decision was made in Leipzig to make a change.”
Asked about Demichelis, he added “I really can’t say anything about that right now. I’m not participating in any speculation.
“Everything that needs to be said about this comes from Leipzig and not from – where are we these days? – Dallas.”
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