FC Augsburg secures signing of Sandro Wagner, deemed a strategic decision by club officials
FC Augsburg Announces Sandro Wagner as New Head Coach
After weeks of speculation, FC Augsburg has officially appointed Sandro Wagner as their new head coach. The 37-year-old former national player and assistant coach to Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann will take the reins until 2028. This marks Wagner's first position as a head coach in the Bundesliga.
Following discussions with the FCA, Wagner expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, "The FCA's philosophy aligns perfectly with my playing style. I am a young coach eager to grow alongside the club, and Augsburg presents the perfect environment for that."
Wagner, who currently assists the German national team, had announced in May that he intended to pursue a head coaching position after the conclusion of the Nations League final tournament in June.
Michael Ströll, Augsburg's managing director, expressed his confidence in Wagner, stating, "Sandro is highly ambitious and shares our club's vision. He has shown his ability to improve teams and develop players in the past, and his meticulous approach and emotional leadership will inspire the team."
The decision to part ways with former coach Jess Thorup was made after a season analysis. Thorup, who took over in October 2023 as successor to the dismissed Enrico Maaßen, had been contracted until 2026. The FCA finished the last season in 12th place and were relegated once again.
Thorup's contract was terminated, along with that of sports director Marinko Jurendic. Wagner, with his ambitious and modern coaching philosophy, is expected to breathe new life into the struggling club.
Sources: ntv.de, ter/sid.
Background:Sandor Wagner, the 37-year-old coach of FC Augsburg, is a former professional footballer with over 300 competitive appearances for clubs like FC Bayern Munich, TSG Hoffenheim, Hertha BSC, and the German national team. His extensive career provided him with a range of tactical knowledge and coaching experience under notable coaches such as Julian Nagelsmann, Ottmar Hitzfeld, Niko Kovac, and Jupp Heynckes. Wagner is known for his ambition, meticulousness, and passion for football, and he has demonstrated his ability to develop teams and players throughout his career. Before taking the helm at Augsburg, Wagner worked as an assistant coach for the German national team under Julian Nagelsmann. His appointment as head coach of FC Augsburg marks his first Bundesliga head coaching position, indicating a swift rise in the coaching ranks.
Although the Commission has not yet adopted a decision regarding Wagner's coaching status with the European football leagues, his ambitious and modern coaching philosophy is eagerly anticipated to revitalize FC Augsburg, following the relegation from the Bundesliga and subsequent termination of Jess Thorup and sports director Marinko Jurendic's contracts. This new chapter for FC Augsburg appears particularly promising, as Sandro Wagner, the newly appointed head coach, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from his extensive career as a professional footballer, playing for clubs like FC Bayern Munich, and his role as an assistant coach for the German national team under Julian Nagelsmann.
