Werder Bremen have dismissed head coach Ole Werner following his decision not to extend his contract beyond 2026, the Bundesliga club confirmed on Tuesday, May 27.
The announcement came a day after German media reported that Werner, 37, had rejected an offer to prolong his current deal. In response, the club opted to part ways with immediate effect.
“We deeply regret Ole’s decision because we envisioned a long-term collaboration with him,” Bremen said in a statement. “As we need clarity and continuity in the head coaching position, we have decided to release Ole.”
Werner took charge of Werder Bremen in 2021, when the club was competing in Germany’s second division. He led the team to an immediate promotion back to the Bundesliga and has since overseen consistent improvement in the club’s league performances.
This past season, Bremen finished just one point shy of qualifying for European competition, something the club has not experienced since the 2010-11 campaign.
Werner’s departure adds to the growing list of Bundesliga clubs currently searching for new managers, including RB Leipzig, Wolfsburg, Cologne, and Augsburg.