Sandro Wagner Interview: ‘As a Young Coach You Want to Tear the World Down’
Former Germany international Sandro Wagner has broken his months-long silence following his departure as head coach of FC Augsburg, speaking candidly about the challenges of his first senior coaching role and the personal adjustments necessary for growth in the profession.
Wagner, who was dismissed by Augsburg in December 2025 after less than a year in charge, revealed in an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung that he changed his phone number and distanced himself from close associates to create space for reflection after the intense scrutiny of Bundesliga management.
“I would have changed my phone number much earlier, honestly,” Wagner stated. “Everyone in German football knew my number. It was important to control external influences and let them reach me only on my terms. I needed to think, and I needed peace. Up to that point, I had never really had that time.”
The 38-year-old former striker, who earned eight caps and scored five goals for Germany including a appearance in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup-winning squad, acknowledged specific missteps during his Augsburg tenure. He admitted to starting with excessive enthusiasm and ambition, attempting to implement changes too rapidly.
“I wanted to take the fourth step before the second,” Wagner reflected, describing his approach as overly ambitious for a first-time head coach in the Bundesliga. He particularly regretted his emotional reaction following Augsburg’s 2-3 loss to Bayern Munich, where he criticized the squad’s quality across all positions.
“That statement was missing a half-sentence,” Wagner conceded. “Ten minutes after the final whistle, I was still too emotional. That won’t happen again.”
Despite the difficulties, Wagner expressed renewed enthusiasm for returning to coaching, emphasizing the learning value of the Augsburg experience. His time at the Bavarian club followed roles as head coach of SpVgg Unterhaching in the 3. Liga from 2021 to 2023, and prior to that, various positions within the German football system including assistant work with the national team under Julian Nagelsmann.
As a player, Wagner built a notable career spanning Bundesliga clubs including Bayern Munich, Werder Bremen, Hertha BSC, Darmstadt 98, Hoffenheim, and a stint in China with Tianjin TEDA before retiring in 2020. His playing honors include winning the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship and the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup with Germany.
The former striker now views his Augsburg experience as foundational for his development, noting that the intense pressure of top-flight management provided lessons unavailable in lower divisions or assistant roles.
“As a young coach, you want to tear the world down,” Wagner explained, capturing the impulsive energy that characterized his initial approach. “But you learn quickly that sustainable progress requires patience, process, and the ability to filter what truly matters from the noise.”
Wagner’s willingness to publicly acknowledge his mistakes and detail his personal adjustment strategies represents a growing trend among modern coaches to prioritize mental health and reflective practice alongside tactical development.
While no return to coaching has been announced, Wagner confirmed his active interest in pursuing another opportunity, armed with the insights gained from his Augsburg chapter.
The former international’s openness about the psychological demands of coaching adds valuable perspective to ongoing discussions about pressure management in elite sports, particularly for those transitioning from playing to leadership roles at the highest level.
For now, Wagner continues his period of reflection, having demonstrated that sometimes stepping back completely—including changing one’s phone number—is necessary to move forward with greater clarity and purpose.
His next steps remain uncertain, but the lessons articulated from his Augsburg experience suggest a more measured, self-aware approach awaits should he return to the technical area.
