FC Augsburg decided to go again. New coach, new sports director and complete reorganization of the sports sector – all in the club ended at 12. place, without drama, but also without upgoing. Instead of resuming her old man, the leadership of the club led by Michael Strölla and President Marcus Krapfom decided to draw decisive moves. The comfort zone was replaced by ambition.
Result? Farewell to coach Jessa Thorup and bringing a young, ambitious Sandra Wagner. And that’s not all – a complete transformation of the sports sector has also been published. Some such move would be called risky, but in fact it is more logical and brave. Augsburg in the present lineup was too often an unconvincing, with too much caution and too little identity. Continue that way would mean in the long run stagnation or worse, sliding again to the fight to stay.
The case reminds Mainz from 2009. years, when they decided on a dramatic turn and set up then anonymous Thomas Tuchel. Decisions causing public awakening are often shown as visionary. Augsburg now makes it just that – get out of the status quo because he believes he can do better.
The focus is now moving to the creation of a distinctive identity – more offensive, more attractive football, more domestic talents and a greater connection with the fans. The role of Sandra Wagner as a media interesting and charismatic coach is key. The new sports director Benjamin Weber could follow the rates of his predecessors from Paderborn, Krösche and Wohlgemutha, and bring a new impulse to the club’s sports policy.
In addition to Wagner and Weber, the role in the new structure will also have a Marc Lettau (organizer of the staff), Manuel Baum (Football Head) and Julian Baumgartlinger (first team coordinator). Augsburg does not only rely on one man, but builds a wider base of experts. If everyone has worked in the same direction, the club could also profit both in the score and in the integral construction plan.
Changes initiated by FC Augsburg do not necessarily mean overnight success, but they wear a clear message: the club wants more than mere stability. If Wagner and his team succeeds in the practice, Augsburg could become more than just a “more Bundesliga”. It’s a path worth following.
