Sandro Wagner: New coach of FC Augsburg – A risk with vision!

Sandro Wagner: New coach of FC Augsburg – A risk with vision!

A breath of fresh air is blowing at FC Augsburg! Sandro Wagner took up his new position as head coach of FC Augsburg on Wednesday, May 28th. The 37-year-old, who previously worked as an assistant coach under Julian Nagelsmann at the DFB, describes this step as the “right risk” in his career. With a contract until June 30, 2028, Wagner now has the big task of leading the club out of the relegation zone and also developing it further in terms of football. Augsburg finished the preseason in a rather modest 12th place and finished the league with four defeats in a row, which led to the dismissal of coach Jess Thorup and sporting director Marinko Jurendić. [Sky] reports that a new beginning is now to be initiated at FCA, which Wagner will accept as a challenge.

In a press conference attended by over 50 journalists - which almost resembled the atmosphere of a Europa League game - Wagner made it clear that the players should be the focus. “I put a lot of pressure on myself,” said Wagner, who was also praised by Lukas Kimmich, who said he had great coaching talent. Sami Khedira also described Wagner as a great communicator with a high level of technical knowledge and extreme authority. The prospect of taking the team to the next level in football is a central part of Wagner's plan. [AP News] highlights that the predecessor was stable defensively, but failed to bring any real development.

Wagner's experience and vision

Wagner has played over 300 competitive games in his professional career and played for well-known clubs such as FC Bayern Munich, Hertha BSC and TSG Hoffenheim. In his previous career as a coach, he managed to help Unterhaching gain promotion in the fourth division. “I see the general conditions in Augsburg as excellent and feel that my game idea is very consistent with the philosophy of the FCA,” says Wagner. This attitude could help the club move forward significantly in the coming years.

Wagner is aware of the challenges that await him. “Progress in other areas is crucial, even if the ranking does not improve immediately,” explained Managing Director Michael Ströll. The team is being strengthened by new talents such as Robin Fellhauer and Elias Saad, while contracts with Mert Kömür and Noahkai Banks have been extended. Banks will even stay in Augsburg until 2029. These strategic decisions show that FCA is ready to invest in the future and develop players.

The way forward

The Bundesliga will once again be characterized by numerous coaching changes this season. In addition to Augsburg, Leipzig, Wolfsburg, Werder Bremen and promoted FC Cologne are also looking for a coach. In this environment, Wagner has the chance not only to stabilize FC Augsburg in terms of sport, but also to establish his own brand as a coach. With commitment and a clear plan, he could turn things around and meet fans' expectations.

The next few months will show whether Sandro Wagner has the right touch to put FCA on the road to success. The anticipation for an exciting season is great!