Training excursions arranged by Nagelsmann to consult with Wagner at "Alphatier"
Loud Cheers for Sandro Wagner's Departure
The German national football team didn't secure a trophy at the Nations League final tournament, a heartbreaking 1:2 loss against Portugal and a 0:2 defeat against France, pushed them to a fourth-place finish. Yet, there was a buzz in the German dressing room on Sunday night, a boisterous round of applause, and the reason was Sandro Wagner, the co-trainer. The man is bidding adieu, setting sights on the hot seat as the head coach for FC Augsburg.
Julian Nagelsmann, the national team's coach, lauded Wagner in his heartfelt address to the players and staff following the third-place game in Stuttgart. "What really mattered was that we were able to bid farewell to Sandro for his outstanding work here," Nagelsmann said.
His aspirations, however, overshadowed his original contract with the German Football Association (DFB) and specifically with Nagelsmann, who he had initially agreed to continue with until the World Cup in the next year.
"Alpha Male Ready to Roar"
Nagelsmann had anticipated that things would unfold differently, as he confessed now. "I've always known that this partnership is temporary, that Sandro has his sights set on becoming a head coach. And he is indeed an alpha male who needs to lead as a head coach, given his personality traits," the young coach expressed.
Wagner performed admirably in his coaching role and with the team, Nagelsmann acknowledged his departing understudy. "He had a fantastic rapport with the players." Nagelsmann believes that Wagner will carry that success to the Bundesliga with FC Augsburg. He even hinted at dropping by for a training session or two: "Of course, I'll also stop by to observe training from time to time. We'll see how it goes."
A New Contender Emerges
Benjamin Hühn (35), who once played under Nagelsmann at TSG Hoffenheim and has been working alongside him as a co-trainer since February 2024, takes over Wagner's duties within the national team coaching staff. "He has a knack for the dressing room. He's an affable character. He understands footballers. We welcome him with open arms," Nagelsmann remarked about the man poised to fill Wagner's shoes.
appearing to brush off Wagner's departure, Nagelsmann is hopeful for Hühn's debut in September. He envisions two victories in World Cup qualifiers, in Slovakia and against Northern Ireland, unlike the two losses when Wagner stepped down.
Background Check: Benjamin Hühn
Benjamin Hühn, a loyal foot soldier under Nagelsmann's command, is widely recognized for his understanding of footballers. While it's hard to find specific information about his experiences in the coaching realm of the German national football team, his tenure with TSG Hoffenheim as a co-trainer implies an exceptional grasp of the game. It remains to be seen how he will fare in his new role as the German team's assistant coach.
"Julian Nagelsmann, in his address, spoke highly of Sandro Wagner, praising his exceptional work with the team and expressing that he believes Wagner will carry this success to the Bundesliga with FC Augsburg."
"With Benjamin Hühn assuming Wagner's duties as a co-trainer for the German national team, Nagelsmann praised Hühn's affable nature and understanding of footballers, hinting at two potential victories in the World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia and Northern Ireland."
