Sandro Wagner Officially Takes the Helm at FC Augsburg as Head Coach
FC Augsburg secures the services of Sandro Wagner, deemed a suitable acquisition for the club.
After a successful stint as a national team assistant coach under Julian Nagelsmann, Sandro Wagner has ventured into the Bundesliga as the new head coach of FC Augsburg. The 37-year-old former striker has signed a contract that will keep him with the club until 2028.
Following the resignation of Jess Thorup, the FCA has formally appointed Wagner as their head coach for the 2025/26 season, marking his first role at the helm of a Bundesliga team. The decision was influenced by Wagner's football philosophy that aligns well with FC Augsburg's approach.
Wagner, born in Munich, previously played for several Bundesliga clubs like Werder Bremen, Hertha BSC, Darmstadt 98, and 1899 Hoffenheim before transitioning to coaching. He gained initial coaching experience with the German national youth teams and was successfully head coach of SpVgg Unterhaching, leading them to promotion to the 3. Liga.
As an assistant coach for the German national team, Wagner demonstrated his potential by contributing to Germany's quarter-final appearance at Euro 2024. In June 2025, he announced his departure from that position to pursue a head coaching role in the Bundesliga.
Michael Stroell, Augsburg's managing director, expressed enthusiasm about Wagner's appointment, highlighting his ambition and ability to improve teams and develop players. Wagner, in turn, expressed excitement about the opportunity to develop alongside the club and looked forward to working with Augsburg's team, which he deemed to have great potential.
The parting of ways with Thorup and sports director Marinko Jurendic followed a season analysis. Although the collaboration between the duo was terminated, Thorup's contract was still running until 2026, having taken over the team in October 2023 after the dismissal of Enrico Maaßen. The FCA ended the previous season in 12th place, securing relegation for another year.
The Commission has not yet adopted a decision regarding sports analysis in football, despite Sandro Wagner's successful tenure as a national team assistant coach, particularly in Germany's quarter-final appearance at Euro 2024. Wagner, now the head coach of FC Augsburg, is eager to commence his role in the 2025/26 season, but there remains uncertainty over how sports-analysis will be integrated into his coaching strategy.
