Werder part ways with Werner

Werder Bremen have relieved Ole Werner of his duties as head coach.

Ole Werner’s time at Werder Bremen has come to an end after three and a half years. 

The club announced on Monday that the 37-year-old head coach would not extend his contract beyond 2026 – a decision that prompted the club to take immediate action.

Werder have now relieved Werner of his duties, citing the need for continuity and clarity in their long-term planning.

“We deeply regret Ole’s decision, as we could have well imagined a long-term collaboration with him,” said Clemens Fritz, Werder’s managing director of football.

“However, we need continuity and clarity in the head coach position moving forward. That’s why we’ve decided to make a change. The supervisory board supported this decision unanimously. Squad planning, the team’s development, and the club’s future direction require stability, and it’s difficult to move forward when it’s unclear who will be leading the team next season.

“We’re grateful to Ole for the last three and a half years and for the outstanding work he has done at Werder. It was a very trusting and productive partnership. He played a key role in stabilizing the club in the Bundesliga.”

Werner shared his perspective on the decision: 

“It wasn’t easy for me to decide against extending my contract. But I’ve always said that my job is about developing a club. At a certain point, there are two paths – either you change things around the coach, or you change the coach. For me, it became clear that after four and a half years, a change in my role was necessary to allow for further progress. I informed the club accordingly and understand Werder’s decision from their perspective. I’ve had a wonderful time here with a fantastic staff, a great squad, and club officials whose support I’ve always felt.”

Elversberg boss Horst Steffen has emerged as a potential successor. The 56-year-old remained tight-lipped about his future following Elversberg’s defeat to Heidenheim in the Bundesliga relegation/promotion play-off on Monday.