That the American super talent Ricardo Pepi, who is also traded at FC Bayern, moved to FC Augsburg of all places, surprised many observers. His former youth coach thinks he knows the reason for the reluctance of the German record champions.
FC Bayern was “apparently not ready” to “spend so much money on an 18-year-old,” Thorsten Schmugge revealed “Image”.
The former second division professional coached Pepi in the youth division of FC Dallas.
Augsburg reportedly paid around 13 million euros for the talented attacker – and thus secured the bid. However, according to Schmugge, the Munich-based Pepi do not lose sight. “You are watching his way,” said the 50-year-old.
Another Bundesliga club apparently also tried hard to get Pepi. “I was expecting him to go to Wolfsburg. They really wanted him. He almost signed, but then came the offer from Augsburg. It was a matter of minutes,” said Schmugge.
“Not just looking at the money”: Ricardo Pepi wants to “play directly”
Pepi’s decision was made in favor of the Fuggerstadt-based company because of their sporting perspective.
“He wants to play straight away and gain a foothold. There is no point if he goes to Barcelona and then doesn’t get the minutes. I have to praise him and his agent – they really saw what was best for the boy. And not just looked at the money. In Augsburg he will develop further, and then he can still take the next step, “said Schmugge.
The junior coach believes Pepi will have a great career. “I’ve never seen a finish as good as his. If he’s free and pulls, the ball is 90 percent in goal. He has great shooting technique, has both feet and is strong with his head. He moves well and knows how he does it handles pressure. He’s always played with older people. For me he’s one of the two or three best youth players in the world, “enthused Schmugge.
He even compared Pepi with Robert Lewandowski: “Two or three years ago I told Jochen Sauer (head of the FC Bayern youth department, editor’s note) that Pepi would be the next Lewandowski. He didn’t really believe me. But if he gets the time that Lewandowski got, then he’ll take off. “
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