Werder Bremen sack coach after he declined to extend contract

Werder Bremen sacked coach Ole Werner on Tuesday, after the manager said he would not be extending his deal at the club beyond 2026.

On Monday, German media reported Werner turned down the chance to extend his current contract. 

Bremen reacted on Tuesday, releasing the 37-year-old immediately. In a statement, Bremen said "we deeply regret Ole's decision because we envisioned a long-term collaboration with him.

"As we need clarity and continuity in the head coaching position, we have decided to release Ole."

Werner arrived in 2021 with the four-time Bundesliga champions and six-time cup winners in the second division. 

After overseeing an immediate return to the top-flight, Werner has stabilised the club, improving their finishing position year after year.

This season, Bremen finished just one point behind the European placings, having not played in Europe since 2010-11.

Several Bundesliga clubs have a vacancy in the dugout, including RB Leipzig, Wolfsburg, Cologne and Augsburg.