FC Augsburg Names Sandro Wagner as New Head Coach
Footballer Sandro Wagner switches roles, takes on coaching position.
Augsburg - FC Augsburg has appointed Sandro Wagner as their new coach, effective immediately. The former assistant coach to Julian Nagelsmann for the German national football team has signed a contract that runs until the summer of 2028. The club confirmed the news to the German Press Agency, with Sky and "Bild" also reporting on the staff change.
Following a multi-day season analysis, the Swabians parted ways with the previous coach, Jess Thorup, and sporting director Marinko Jurendic. Rumors about Wagner's appointment had been circulating for some time.
Wagner, who recently announced he would leave the German Football Association after the Nations League Final Four from June 4-8, expressed his desire to become a head coach soon. The 37-year-old will not wait for the World Cup this summer to fulfill his dream of taking the reins as a head coach.
Before securing the deal with Augsburg, Wagner had been linked with big clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, and RB Leipzig. However, he previously rejected his former club, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. The move to Augsburg brings back memories of former national goalkeeper Jens Lehmann's brief stint as assistant coach in the club more than six years ago.
Augsburg's CEO, Michael Ströll, had expressed the desire to abandon the club's 'gray mouse' image before this season, which is now in its 14th Bundesliga campaign. Despite this ambition, the team fell to a disappointing 12th place this season after four consecutive defeats in the final stretch of the season. The 1-2 defeat against Union Berlin prompted the season analysis and significant personnel change.
Under Thorup, Augsburg struggled to impress with an exciting playing style and instead embraced a defensive approach that kept them safe from relegation but failed to reinvigorate their fanbase. Wagner is expected to introduce a more attractive style of play to the team, which will be crucial for improving their performance and attracting more support.
Wagner's coaching experience is relatively limited, having taken SpVgg Unterhaching to promotion in the 2023 season before serving as an assistant coach to Benjamin Glück for the German U20 national team and, since September 2023, with Julian Nagelsmann for the senior team. Despite his inexperience as a head coach, Nagelsmann praises Wagner's sharp tactical mind and ability to connect with players, indicating signs of strong potential.
As FC Augsburg sets its sights on growing with a young, ambitious coach aligned with their long-term vision, Wagner will look to harness the potential within the team and develop their playing style as he works towards improving their results and overall appeal.
Under FC Augsburg's new leadership, Sandro Wagner, with his football expertise and sports-analysis skills, aims to lead the team towards an attractive and improved playing style. The club's former assistant coach for the German national team, Wagner has managed SpVgg Unterhaching and served as an assistant coach for the German U20 and senior teams, showcasing his potential as a head coach.
