When Ole Werner looks back at RB Leipzig's impressive season, he points to one key figure who's made all the difference: Jürgen Klopp. The former Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund mastermind now serves as the Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull GmbH, and Werner credits their strong connection as a driving force behind the team's success.

"My relationship with Klopp is very good," Werner revealed in a recent interview with the Bundesliga. "I think that was also a key reason for us doing so well this year. We've talked a lot about the style of play and tactical things."

For a coach still building his reputation, having access to Klopp's wealth of experience is invaluable. "It's good for me to get to learn from someone who's seen it all as a coach," Werner explained. "He's close to us, but also has more of an external perspective. I think that's really helped us this year."

Werner, who spent three seasons at Werder Bremen before taking the Leipzig reins, has noticed some stark differences from his previous clubs. "Compared to my previous clubs, it's a structure that thinks globally," he said, contrasting Leipzig with Holstein Kiel and Werder Bremen. "It's a club that has a global idea embedded into it. That also means you have more prominent names working within the club who help make decisions than at my previous clubs. You have a much more international squad as well."

But despite the global scale and star power, Werner finds comfort in the familiar rhythm of coaching. "You've got a much younger team than at my two previous clubs. Those are differences. But my job from Monday to Sunday is basically very similar with training work, preparing players for matches, developing players, and leading a team. That's pretty similar everywhere you go."

Werner also opened up about facing critics—something he's had to deal with throughout his career. "It's not my job to be too concerned about criticism," he said. "As someone who didn't have a big playing career, I think I've had it throughout my career. Maybe because you never proved you could work at that level, you're always followed by doubters."

The pressure was especially intense at the start of 2026 when results weren't going Leipzig's way. But the team has turned things around in spectacular fashion, securing six wins from their last seven games and clinching a Champions League spot. With Klopp's guidance and Werner's steady hand, RB Leipzig has proven that a strong partnership can turn doubt into triumph.