Leipzig Captain Raum on Werner's Departure: "Surprising"

RB Leipzig captain David Raum said he did not see the dismissal of coach Ole Werner coming. “I didn’t really find out until the day he was fired,” the national team player told “t-online,” adding: “For us as a team, the whole thing came as a bit of a surprise because we played successful soccer with Ole last season.” Despite finishing third in the standings, Werner had to leave after just one season; he is being succeeded by former pro Martin Demichelis.

The 28-year-old Raum had words of praise for Werner: “I also had a very good relationship with him. He made me captain and helped me grow as a person to a whole new level. I’m very grateful to him for that.”

Raum “eager” to see what successor Demichelis will bring

The DFB pro has not yet had any contact with former Bayern player Demichelis during the ongoing World Cup. “No, we haven’t had a chance to talk yet. But from what I’ve heard about him, he’s a coach with big ambitions. He really wants to achieve something with us. I really like that. I’m curious to see what will happen in the coming season. But for now, my focus is on the World Cup.”