Wagner Bids Farewell to National Team: A New Journey Begins
- 🕒 - 3 Min Read
National team loses Co-Trainer Sandro Wagner - Nagelsmann speaks out on departure - National team co-coach Sandro Wagner resigns; Nagelsmann responds to the departure
In a shocking turn of events, Sandro Wagner has decided to part ways with the national team, a year before the FIFA World Cup, leaving Julian Nagelsmann in a pickle. Wagner's ambition to become a head coach at a club trumps his position as a co-trainer with the national team, potentially igniting a series of coaching changes in the Bundesliga.
A title-winning campaign at the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada? Wagner wasn't willing to wait any longer. The 37-year-old admits his dream to lead a team as a head coach someday, a goal that has only become clearer since he began his football coaching education in January.
From Dortmund to Leipzig, Wagner's Options Abound
"I want to take the next step soon. It's no secret that my ultimate goal is to work as a head coach someday," Wagner declared, following talks with relevant parties at the DFB that he found to be open and favorable. Speculations swirl about Wagner joining forces with Borussia Dortmund, Xabi Alonso's successor at Bayer Leverkusen, or teaming up with Jürgen Klopp at RB Leipzig. With his stellar reputation in German football, Wagner has an array of alluring options this summer.
Just two months ago, Wagner had pledged his loyalty to the national team until the World Cup [1], but now he's had a change of heart, claiming there are more enticing propositions on the horizon.
Nagelsmann and Wagner's Common Goal: Nations League Victory
"I can understand and respect Sandro's desire to become a head coach," said national team coach Nagelsmann. The duo share a common objective – to secure a title at the Nations League Final Four tournament, which will take place in June. They face Portugal in the semifinals in Munich, followed by the final against either the European champions, Spain, or France, at the same venue four days later.
Wagner expressed his emotions about the situation on LinkedIn but hasn't revealed his concrete plans for the summer. Reports suggest there have been concrete inquiries from clubs in recent weeks and months, but Wagner hasn't yet made a decision about whether to take on a new challenge immediately or focus solely on his coaching training [1].
Glück to Remain as Nagelsmann's Assistant
The DFB has yet to announce a replacement for Wagner. Benjamin Glück will continue to serve as an assistant to Nagelsmann, who recently extended his contract until the 2028 European Championship. "Sandro has been a valuable asset to our team, both in terms of expertise and character," Nagelsmann said [1]. Wagner often displayed public restraint in the shadow of the national team coach.
The emotional European Championship with the bitter quarterfinal exit against eventual winners Spain, will remain a cherished memory for the trio of Nagelsmann, Wagner, and Glück. Together, they aim to cap off their tenure with a title at the mini-tournament this summer [1]. In the fall, the qualification for the 2026 World Cup, featuring 48 participants and lasting five and a half weeks, will commence.
Sports Director Rudi Völler, who, like Nagelsmann, has recently renewed his contract, is confident in Wagner's future success. "He played a vital role in our team's impressive performance. I am certain that we will see Sandro as a head coach on the sidelines again soon. His journey continues,” Völler added [1]. Despite leaving his position as Nagelsmann's assistant, Wagner and his former boss will remain in touch, maintaining contact for loan and nomination matters [1].
- Sandro Wagner
- Julian Nagelsmann
- DFB
- National Team
- Head Coach
[1] DFB News Article[2] Sport Bild Article[3] Spox Article
- Sandro Wagner, having aspirations to become a head coach, has decided to leave the German national team a year before the FIFA World Cup.
- In a bid to achieve his goal, Wagner is exploring potential opportunities in various clubs, such as Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, and RB Leipzig.
- Despite Wagner's departure, Julian Nagelsmann is hopeful of securing a title at the Nations League Final Four tournament, where they will face Portugal in the semifinals and Spain or France in the final.
- As Wagner embarks on this new journey, DFB sports director Rudi Völler expresses confidence in his future success as a head coach.
- After his departure from the national team, Sandro Wagner and Julian Nagelsmann plan to maintain contact for loan and nomination matters.
