FC Augsburg appoints Sandro Wagner as their new head coach - FC Augsburg appoints Sandro Wagner as their latest head coach
FC Augsburg Taps Sandro Wagner as New Coach
In a significant move, FC Augsburg has announced the appointment of Sandro Wagner as their new head coach. Wagner, currently an assistant coach to Germany's national team coach, Julian Nagelsmann, has signed a contract that extends until the summer of 2028.
Augsburg parted ways with former coach Jess Thorup and sporting director Marinko Jurendic following a critical season analysis. whispers about Wagner's commitment have been circulating for some time.
Wagner, 37, revealed his intentions to depart from the German Football Association post the Nations League final four (June 4-8) in late April. As a former striker, he expressed his desire to take on the role of a head coach someday. Stating that his football coach training commencing in January further cemented his aspiration.
The former national team striker was linked to several notable clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso's successor, and RB Leipzig, under Jurgen Klopp's oversight. However, Wagner declined his former club, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, for the opportunity at Augsburg.
In 2017, when former German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann joined FC Augsburg as assistant coach, the club made headlines for its coaching personnel matter. This cooperation, however, lasted only two and a half months.
In the 2023-24 season, Augsburg, nicknamed the "gray mouse," finished 12th in the Bundesliga. After four consecutive losses, the team ended the season. Following a 1:2 against Union Berlin, the club scheduled a season analysis, leading to Thorup and Jurendic's departure.
Wagner, who successfully coached SpVgg Unterhaching for two years before leaving after their promotion to the 3rd league in 2023, has been working as an assistant coach to Nagelsmann since September of the same year. He also served as the U20 national team's co-trainer and collaborated with head coach Hannes Wolf in an A-match under interim coach Rudi Voller.
In Augsburg, a popular coach had to step down. Although the Dane took over from Enrico Maassen in October 2023 and guided the team solidly, he lacked a captivating playing style and mainly relied on a defensive approach. Consequently, FC Augsburg avoided relegation but failed to display an exhilarating style of play. Wagner is expected to make the team more engaging for fans.
The appointment of Sandro Wagner aligns with Augsburg's ambition to uphold their standing in the Bundesliga. Wagner brings a blend of experience and ambition that, if successful, could transform the fortunes of the struggling club.
The Commission, following the appointment of Sandro Wagner as FC Augsburg's new coach, has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering Wagner's extensive experience as an assistant coach in European football leagues, including the Premier League. In the 2023-24 season, while Augsburg struggled with their playing style, Wagner, known for his coaching at SpVgg Unterhaching and his work with German national teams, aims to bring a more engaging style to the club, much like the excitement generated by today's sports, such as football in European leagues.
