Saying Goodbye to Sandro Wagner: An Unexpected Exit from the DFB Coaches' Bench
Julian Nagelsmann bids farewell to Sandro Wagner in a surprisingly composed manner
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Football fans will witness the German National Team on a bittersweet note this Sunday, as they face France for the third place in the Nations League. But the spotlight isn't just on the match; it's also on the departure of Sandro Wagner, who has been a vital presence on the coaches' bench for the team.
Initially, the plan was for Julian Nagelsmann and Sandro Wagner to lead the DFB team together towards the 2026 World Cup. However, a year before the showdown, their journey as a coaching duo comes to an abrupt end.
Coaching Dynasty Crumbles
The journey of the DFB team, Nagelsmann, and Wagner that began in Stuttgart during the 2023 Euro quarter-final against Spain ended in disappointment with a bitter defeat. Yet, hopes were high for the World Cup in 2026. However, the path the coaching duo envisioned has been cut short prematurely.
Several sources have hinted at Wagner's departure for months, with Nagelsmann granting the DFB a contract extension until the 2028 European Championship without Wagner's name in the list of greetings.
The Right Job, The Right Time
Wagner had built a solid reputation within the team and beyond, but he felt the need for change. The role of an assistant coach, though perfect initially, offered limited room for growth. With not much space behind Nagelsmann due to the latter's towering presence in the spotlight, Wagner sought new challenges.
In an interview with "Der Spiegel" at the beginning of the year, Wagner opened up about his role, stating, "I contribute in a way that we can achieve the greatest possible success as a group. That also includes consciously staying in the background publicly." He found joy in learning from top professionals and felt his current role was the perfect stepping stone for his aspiring career.
A Perfect Duo No More
Nagelsmann and Wagner seemed like the ideal team from the outset. Their dynamic was reminiscent of Joachim Löw and Hansi Flick in their heyday, with the duo often discussing strategies during tough matches. After the final whistle, they would analyze the game together, with co-trainer Benjamin Glück joining in the debriefs.
Benjamin Hübner, a confidant of Nagelsmann's, will step in as the new co-trainer. Hübner served as captain under Nagelsmann in Hoffenheim and was instrumental in carrying out the coach's instructions on the field. He joined the DFB in 2023 as an assistant to Hannes Wolf with the U20 team, replacing Wagner after the team's unlucky status change with Hansi Flick.
A Cool Farewell
Despite Wagner's tenure being cut short, Nagelsmann's words for his assistant were surprisingly indifferent. Some interpret it as a hint of disappointment, contrasting statements from DFB striker Deniz Undav, who spoke highly of Wagner's coach-player relationship and vast football knowledge.
Undav mentioned that Wagner was authentic and had a deep understanding of players after playing at a high level himself. He believes Wagner's departure will be missed, and the team wishes him good luck in his future endeavors.
Source: ntv.de
- Sandro Wagner
- DFB
- German National Football Team
- Julian Nagelsmann
- Sandro Wagner, known for his contributions to the German National Football Team, has decided to leave his position as assistant coach to seek new challenges in a role that offers more opportunities for growth.
- As football fans gear up for the German National Team's match against France, they might also take note of the European leagues, where Sandro Wagner's coaching career could continue in the future.
