Jurgen Klopp holds 10-hour long conversation with RB Leipzig coach Ole Werner to discuss playing style as Bundesliga side aim to be 'dominant and forceful'

According to Sport Bild, Red Bull's head of global football, Klopp, and Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schafer held a near 10-hour discussion with new head coach Werner to define the club’s tactical vision for the 2025–26 season. The meeting focused on reviving Werner’s pressing and transitional football approach, combined with improved possession-based play aimed at breaking down deep defensive blocks.

Leipzig are undergoing a strategic transition ahead of the new Bundesliga campaign. The club want to maintain their aggressive pressing identity while evolving into a more dominant, vertical-passing side when in possession. Formation guidelines have been set, with a shift to either a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 confirmed, moving away from the back-three system used by former coach Marco Rose. Werner agreed that his use of a back three at Werder Bremen was due to squad limitations and not a preferred tactical setup.

Leipzig’s strategy now aims to combine that intensity with technical control, particularly against compact defences. They finished seventh in the Bundesliga season in the 2024-25 season with 51 points in 34 games that included 13 wins, 12 draws, and nine losses.

Leipzig plan to overhaul their squad, targeting up to four attacking additions. Antonio Nusa is being lined up as a key figure, with Xavi Simons, Benjamin Sesko, and Lois Openda all expected to depart. A new centre-back and potentially a right-back are also on the club’s radar.