After the surprising dismissal of Sandro Wagner at FC Augsburg, someone who has known the young coach for years is now speaking out: Oliver Bierhoff.
The long-time national team manager is convinced that Wagner’s coaching career will not be permanently damaged by the early failure. On the contrary – Bierhoff expects a comeback. Wagner will “catch himself and also get new opportunities,” he said in an interview with “ran”.
Five months, 14 competitive games: The time as head coach at FC Augsburg recently came to a quick and abrupt end. For Bierhoff, however, the quick dismissal is not a reason for resignation, but rather an expression of the high demands in Bundesliga football.
The end in Augsburg shows “that there are no shortcuts in professional football,” said the 56-year-old. A young coach is particularly under pressure because he is thrown “directly into this great responsibility without much experience”.
After the 3-0 defeat in Hoffenheim, they were 14th in the table. the consequences were drawn and Wagner was released. A bitter moment for Bierhoff – not just sportingly, but also personally.
Bierhoff relies on “the right time” with Wagner
The former assistant coach of the national team “approached this task with a lot of passion and heart and soul.” The connection between the two goes back to Wagner’s time as a national player, in which he made eight appearances for Germany.
At the same time, Bierhoff also sees the early setback as an opportunity for Wagner’s development. The experience can be valuable, especially in an industry that is often mercilessly quick to judge. “It’s a sign that even if you’re ambitious, you have to give things time and be willing to observe, learn and then get back into it when the time is right.”
Wagner’s first professional adventure ended with a bang. But according to Bierhoff, his coaching career has only just begun.