Bundesliga 2025/26 Tactical Previews: FC Augsburg
Augsburg: Sandro Wagner Takes the Helm in Bavarian Swabia
FC Augsburg's preseason hasn't exactly set the world on fire, but that hasn't dampened fan excitement for a new era under charismatic coach Sandro Wagner. After years of punditry, Wagner has finally stepped onto the touchline at his hometown club, replacing Jess Thorup.
The former striker's appointment was met with widespread enthusiasm – German football fans have long been eager to see what he could bring as a manager. Wagner's playing career, filled with both triumphs and setbacks, might foreshadow his coaching journey.
"It isn’t the 37-year-old’s first rodeo," reads a recent piece on the club. "He spent two years in the Munich suburbs coaching SpVgg Unterhaching. He helped the Bobsledders earn promotion to the 3. Liga at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, actually leaving just a few months before Haching knocked Enrico Maaßen’s Augsburg out in the opening round of the 2023/24 Pokal."
This time around, Wagner faces the challenge of avoiding a similar fate against his former club. He'll likely lean on the familiar 3-4-3 formation implemented by Thorup, prioritizing structure and motivation over tactical experimentation.
A New Era for Augsburg
The offseason saw significant changes at FC Augsburg beyond the coaching switch. Sporting Director Marinko Jurendic was replaced by Benjamin Weber, leading a fresh approach to transfers. While still early in their tenure, new sporting directors Marc Lettau and Julian Baumgartlinger have yet to leave their mark on the squad.
Several high-profile departures saw Dion Drena Beljo, Patric Pfeiffer, Lasse Günther, and Irvin Cardona sold for a tidy profit, while loan fees were secured for Nathanaël Mbuku and David Colina. Incoming transfers include Burnley's Han-Noah Massengo, Troyes' Kyliane Dong, St. Pauli's Elias Saad, and Elversberg's Robin Fellhauer.
Camp Champions: The Standouts
While preseason can be a fickle barometer of success, several players have emerged as early stars for Augsburg.
Keven Schlotterbeck: The elder brother of Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck has proven his doubters wrong by securing a starting position in Wagner's back-three. A late bloomer who only recently found his scoring touch, Keven Schlotterbeck consistently impressed during the friendlies.
Han-Noah Massengo: The Belgian midfielder has already endeared himself to fans with his smooth style of play and genuine efforts to integrate into German culture. He's a favorite amongst analysts for his potential to replicate Frank Onyeka’s success at Brentford.
Steve Mounie: After a disappointing first season, the Benin international striker seems revitalized under Wagner. A brace against Pisa and a hat trick against FC Memmingen suggest he could be a key figure in Augsburg's attack.
Early Struggles:
Not everyone has impressed during preseason.
Elias Saad: The St. Pauli transfer struggled to make an impact due to injury, highlighting his history of inconsistency.
Henri Koudossou: The young German prospect was loaned out again, raising questions about his future at Augsburg despite his exciting potential.
Tactical Outlook:
For the opening round Pokal fixture against Hallerscher FC, expect Wagner to field a strong starting lineup with some tactical adjustments to accommodate injuries and ensure a comfortable victory. The 3-4-3 formation will likely remain in place, with focus on exploiting the strengths of Massengo and Mounie.
With a charismatic new coach at the helm and a refreshed squad, FC Augsburg enters the season brimming with optimism. It remains to be seen if Wagner's tactical nous and motivational skills can translate into tangible results, but the early signs are promising for the Bavarian Swabians.