Big words, small returns: Sandro Wagner’s time at FC Augsburg ends faster than expected. After bankruptcies, empty phrases and the most recent 3-0 defeat in Hoffenheim, the project initially failed.
FC Augsburg’s long-term project to shed its own gray mouse image with a coach with charisma failed earlier than hoped: after 0:3 defeat against TSG HoffenheimThe Bundesliga soccer team and coach Sandro Wagner are now going their separate ways following a mutual decision. Manuel Baum, who coached the Swabians from 2016 to 2019, is considered the interim coach. Baum is currently employed as “Director of Development” at FCA.
Historical debacle
The decisive factor in the decision was primarily the sporting record of the former assistant coach of the German national football team, which makes extremely sobering reading.After the 0:6 against RB Leipzigthe highest Bundesliga home defeat in the club’s history, was followed by elimination in the DFB Cup against second division team VfL Bochum and further defeats in the Bundesliga against Borussia Dortmund and VfB Stuttgart. The only win from seven games came against Hamburger SV.
Fan frustration at the BVB game and at General meeting
Against BVB, Augsburg fans expressed their displeasure with the current situation: “Big words, no actions – how long do you want to wait?”, “Nobody is bigger than the club” and “Image change accomplished: From the gray mouse to the league’s shooting gallery” were written on banners that supporters unrolled during the game. The club management also had to put up with criticism: “Personality cult and marketing madness – these are not our values,” another banner said.
The mood lasted until the general meeting last week. The team and coach were greeted and said farewell in a cold manner. The frustration was made particularly clear by the contrast when managing director Michael Ströll mentioned Wagner’s predecessor Jess Thorup and real applause erupted.
Sobering results
FCA currently only has ten points after twelve games. With 27 goals conceded, they also have the worst defense in the league. Nobody in the club’s Bundesliga history had a worse points average than Wagner.
But Wagner’s appearance also offered a lot of room for criticism and malice. The somewhat brighter external image was certainly desirable. Predecessor Jess Thorup was considered too pale by many in the club. He was no longer believed to be able to give the team a new and more attractive playing style. Wagner did, however, who was considered the exact opposite of the rather reserved Dane: young, fresh, sometimes brash and a darling of the media with his charisma.
A start with euphoria
It was only during the summer break that the 37-year-old took up his position with the Swabians with a lot of praise. With Robin Fellhauer, Cedric Zesiger, Elias Saad and the re-signed Fabian Rieder, Wagner even got some transfer wishes fulfilled. The start went with that Confident progress in the DFB Cup at Halleschen FC and the surprising 3-1 away win at SC Freiburg on the first Bundesliga matchday was also quite promising. But from the second matchday onwards, the results failed to materialize.
Criticism of appearance
What stuck with him was one sentence that would soon blow up in his face: “I don’t see that we have less quality than Bayern. I don’t see us being less well positioned in terms of quality in any position in the entire club.” And his “Blah-blah” gesture, which he sent somewhat defiantly towards the main stand after the home win against Wolfsburg, was also not well received.
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Source: BR24Sport December 1, 2025 – 3:54 p.m
