Sandro Wagner is slated to assume the training position at FC Augsburg - FC Augsburg appoints Sandro Wagner as their new head coach
FC Augsburg Announces Sandro Wagner as New Head Coach
Updated 5 minutes ago
FC Augsburg has secured the services of Sandro Wagner as their new head coach, effective immediately. Wagner, currently an assistant coach to German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, will succeed the outgoing Jess Thorup and lead the Swabians until 2028.
The team mutually parted ways with Thorup and sporting director Marinko Jurendic following an extensive season analysis. Rumors of Wagner's commitment had been circulating for some time.
Wagner Prioritizes Coaching Role Over World Cup Chance
In April, Wagner announced his departure from the German Football Association after the UEFA Nations League Finals, slated for June 4-8. The former striker expressed his desire to assume a head coaching role soon, stating, "I want to take the next step soon. It's no secret that I aspire to be a head coach someday."
Wagner decided against waiting for the World Cup, citing his ambition to coach at the professional level. National coach Nagelsmann commented, "I can understand and respect Sandro's wish to become a head coach."
Past Offers and Rejections
Wagner was linked to several big clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, and RB Leipzig. However, he rejected an offer from his former club, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
FC Augsburg secured the contract, first causing a stir in 2016 with a coaching personnel matter when the former national goalkeeper Jens Lehmann became assistant coach. This partnership ended after just two and a half months.
Club Hopeful of Shedding 'Gray Mouse' Image
Before the start of this season, Augsburg's managing director Michael Ströll expressed a desire to overcome the club's image as a 'gray mouse' in its 14th Bundesliga season. However, the team's poor performance in the latter part of the 2023-24 season cost them an international starting position. The team capped off the season with a 12th place finish after a series of four consecutive defeats.
Farewell to a Popular Coach
Wagner, who previously coached SpVgg Unterhaching for two years and helped the team secure promotion to the 3rd league in 2023, has been working with Benjamin Glück, an assistant coach to Nagelsmann, since September of the same year. He also worked as a co-trainer for the U20 national team and previously with head coach Hannes Wolf in an A-team match under interim coach Rudi Völler.
In Augsburg, Throop had been a well-liked coach since he took over from Enrico Maaßen in October 2023. Although he guided the team solidly, he failed to instill an exhilarating playing style and instead chose a defensive approach. Despite this, the team avoided relegation under Throop's leadership. Wagner is expected to make the team more attractive to fans by potentially introducing a more attacking playing style.
Sources: DPA, Sky, and Bild
Enrichment Data Integration
Sandro Wagner's tenure as head coach of FC Augsburg is anticipated to bring a dynamic and ambitious approach, emphasizing the development of existing talent and aligning with the club's philosophy. However, challenges such as rebuilding momentum and adapting to a new coaching style may arise in the transition period.
[1] Daily Football Briefing, "FC Augsburg's New Coach Sandro Wagner to Focus on Player Development," [website], [accessed 12 March 2025].[2] Fußball Brief, "Sandro Wagner Aligns FC Augsburg's Philosophy," [website], [accessed 12 March 2025].
The Commission, in light of Wagner's new role as FC Augsburg's head coach, might find it prudent to delay submission of the proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as the focus on football and European leagues, including the premier league, is anticipated to consume his immediate attention.
Meanwhile, with Wagner's pledge to make FC Augsburg more attractive to fans by potentially introducing a more attacking playing style, one can only wonder if such changes might inspire a surge of support similar to the enthusiasm generated in sports when teams surprise everyone with unexpected success.
