Bundesliga
RB Leipzig have parted company with head coach Jesse Marsch following the club’s 2-1 defeat at Union Berlin.
The loss left Leipzig down in 11th place as of Saturday night on Matchday 14, on 18 points, which is the club’s worst start to a Bundesliga season.
“The decision to part ways with Jesse wasn’t easy for us because I very much appreciate Jesse as a person and a coach,” said Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff in a statement. “It’s a shame that this setup hasn’t worked as hoped and that this step has become necessary.”
Watch: Highlights of the loss at Union
Wisconsin-born Marsch came to Leipzig in the summer following two seasons in charge of Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, having previously worked as assistant under Ralf Rangnick in Germany for a year season and three-and-a-half years as the boss at New York Red Bulls in the USA.
He oversaw 21 games with Die Roten Bullen, winning eight, drawing four and losing nine. He saw them through to the last 16 of the DFB Cup, but the team are fighting to remain in Europe with one group game remaining in the UEFA Champions League.
“I’m very grateful to be a part of the Red Bull family and have had this chance,” 48-year-old Marsch said. “I’d hoped until the end that we’d find more togetherness and stability after the unsettled start to the season and erratic performances in the group stage. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.
“We then came to the decision in talks with Oliver that a change was needed in the coaching position. I hope for the club, the team, the staff and all the fans that RB Leipzig quickly gets back to its old strength.”
Marsch’s assistant Achim Beierlorzer will take charge of Tuesday’s Champions League game at home to Manchester City, with Leipzig likely needing a result if they are to finish third in Group A and go through to the UEFA Europa League.
A full-time successor will be announced in due course. Leipzig’s next Bundesliga game is at home to Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday.