Sandro Wagner to take charge of Augsburg after the Nations League

Former Germany international Sandro Wagner is set to embark on the most significant step of his coaching career so far, as he takes over as head coach of FC Augsburg following the conclusion of the UEFA Nations League.

The 37-year-old, who is currently serving as assistant coach to Julian Nagelsmann with the German national team, has signed a three-year contract with Augsburg that will keep him at the club until 2028.

Wagner’s appointment marks a bold and forward-looking move for Augsburg, a club that has consistently managed to remain competitive in the Bundesliga while operating under one of the league’s more modest budgets. Known for his charisma, tactical awareness, and strong leadership qualities during his playing days, Wagner now has the opportunity to demonstrate those same traits from the touchline in one of Europe’s top domestic leagues.

Augsburg confirmed the appointment in an official statement, noting Wagner’s "modern approach to coaching, his proven ability to develop young players, and his deep understanding of German football" as key factors in the decision. The club also emphasized his strong communication skills and clear vision for the team’s playing style qualities that align with their long-term ambitions to not just survive, but thrive in the Bundesliga.

Before committing fully to Augsburg, Wagner has unfinished business with the German national team. He is part of the coaching team preparing for a highly anticipated UEFA Nations League semi-final clash against Portugal on June 4 in Munich. The match is expected to be a fierce test of Germany's readiness ahead of Euro 2024, which the country is set to host. Wagner has played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in helping Nagelsmann rebuild the squad’s confidence and tactical identity after a turbulent period.

Wagner’s transition from player to coach has been swift but highly promising. Following his retirement as a professional striker in 2020, he took his first steps in coaching with the youth setups before being appointed head coach of SpVgg Unterhaching in 2021. During his two seasons with the club, Wagner made an immediate impact, guiding them to promotion to Germany’s third tier and earning widespread praise for his attacking style of play and ability to maximize the potential of his squad.

His work with Unterhaching caught the attention of the German Football Association (DFB), and in November 2023, he was brought in as an assistant to Julian Nagelsmann. His role with the national team has further expanded his tactical knowledge and allowed him to work with some of the best players and minds in German football experience that will undoubtedly benefit him in his new role at Augsburg.

At Augsburg, Wagner steps into the shoes of Jess Thorup, who left the club a year before his contract was due to expire. Despite securing a respectable 12th-place finish in the Bundesliga Augsburg's third-best ever the club opted for a new direction. Thorup’s departure was described as amicable, but the decision to move on from a coach who had achieved stability suggests Augsburg’s ambition to evolve into more than just a mid-table side.

Wagner will be tasked with building on that foundation while introducing a fresh identity. Known for favoring aggressive pressing systems and structured attacking patterns, he is expected to bring a more proactive style of football to Augsburg. The club’s sporting director, Marinko Jurendic, expressed confidence in Wagner’s abilities, stating, "Sandro has already proven his qualities as a coach and a leader. His energy, ideas, and understanding of modern football make him the ideal candidate to lead our club into the next phase."

The move to Augsburg also signifies Wagner’s arrival as a serious figure in the German coaching landscape a space increasingly dominated by young, tactically astute managers who value high-intensity football and squad development. With Wagner now stepping into a full-time Bundesliga role, he joins the likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Sebastian Hoeneß, and others from Germany’s emerging generation of coaches.

For Wagner, this new role is not just a personal milestone, but a chance to solidify a long-term vision at a club that prides itself on resilience and development. His challenge will be balancing results with evolution keeping Augsburg competitive in a tough league while laying the groundwork for a brighter, more ambitious future.