After kicker broke the news on Thursday night that the rumours would finally end on Friday, they have been proven correct.

Ralph Hasenhüttl is heading for RB Leipzig on a three-year deal after the Austrian decided he would not be staying with the club past the end of the season.

FC Ingolstadt 04 acted quickly to announce a replacement, with Markus Kauczinski taking charge at the Schanzer on a two-year contract.

As for the vacancy at Karlsruher SC, Tomas Oral had been confirmed to be Kauczinski's successor early on in year.

Hasenhüttl hoping to push Leipzig forward

Leipzig have reportedly paid over €1.5m for Hasenhüttl's services, which could prove a fantastic piece of business should he continue his excellent managerial career.

Having gained from to the 2. Bundesliga with VfR Aalen before heading to Ingolstadt, where he initially managed to stabilise the side.

From there, he embarked on a remarkable promotion push where they were deservedly crowned champions of the second tier with relative ease.

That work has translated into success in the top division - Ingolstadt currently sit ninth, and there is no doubt Hasenhüttl has left them in a superb position.

Hasenhüttl has been a big reason behind Ingolstadt's recent stability and rise. | Image source: RB Leipzig
Hasenhüttl has been a big reason behind Ingolstadt's recent stability and rise. | Image source: RB Leipzig

Kauczinski keen to kick on

As for Ingolstadt, the man tasked with continuing the development will feel vindicated that he now has a chance to carry a team into the top tier.

Having suffered heartbreak during the play-off last year against Hamburger SV and losing topscorer Rouwen Hennings, Markus Kauczinski will want to show what he can do.

The coach, who has spent all his time with Karlsruhe to date, will take over a team not too dissimilar to the one he led so close to the promised land last year.

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About the author
Jonathan Walsh
SoccerSight IFA commentator. VAVEL deputy editor-in-chief/VAVEL Bundesliga editor-in-chief and writer. Email: [email protected]