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Augsburg have parted company with head coach Sandro Wagner by mutual consent following a damaging run of results that has left the club hovering near the Bundesliga’s danger zone.
Wagner, 38, was appointed in the summer and made an encouraging start with a 3-1 victory over Freiburg on the opening weekend. But momentum quickly faded. Augsburg managed just two wins from their next 11 Bundesliga fixtures, drawing once and losing eight. Their struggles extended to the DFB Cup, where they were knocked out in the second round after a 1-0 home defeat to second-tier Bochum.
Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Hoffenheim on Matchday 12 proved decisive, marking the team’s ninth defeat across all competitions and leaving FCA only two points above the relegation play-off place.
"I have always approached my role at FCA with great energy and passion. We wanted to achieve a lot together, but unfortunately we were unable to do so in the short time available," Wagner said. "I would like to thank everyone involved for their trust and cooperation. I wish the club all the best for the future."
Sporting director Benni Weber acknowledged Wagner’s efforts but said the club needed a reset. "Sandro has initiated important processes in recent months and worked with great commitment for FCA, for which we thank him. As a club, we are convinced that we are on the right track and will continue to pursue this path. Now it's time to find stability and pick up points in the upcoming games."
Former Augsburg coach Manuel Baum will take over on an interim basis until the winter break, beginning with a daunting fixture against Bayer Leverkusen. The 46-year-old previously led the club between December 2016 and April 2019.
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