LEIPZIG, Germany (AP) - Leipzig has hired Markus Krösche as sporting director to replace the departing Ralf Rangnick, who helped develop the club from an ambitious upstart into one of Germany’s most successful.
Leipzig says the 60-year-old Rangnick, who also coached the team to third place in the Bundesliga last season, will become the head of sports development for Red Bull with an advisory role for the energy-drink manufacturer’s clubs in New York, Brazil, and Leipzig.
Rangnick joined Leipzig in 2012 as sporting director and led it to Bundesliga promotion in 2016 during his first stint as coach. He took over again last season to replace Ralph Hasenhüttl before Julian Nagelsmann arrives from Hoffenheim.
Rangnick had a contract to 2021 but asked for it to be rescinded.
The club says Krösche, who is arriving from promoted side Paderborn, was Rangnick’s preferred candidate to take over. Krösche was getting a three-year deal.
Leipzig recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. The club was formed in 2009 when Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz bought a local fifth-tier team, SSV Markranstaedt, rebranded it, and financed its steady promotion through the lower leagues. Leipzig finished runner-up in its debut Bundesliga season in 2017.
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