After five points from the first seven games, FC Augsburg has pulled the ripcord. Enrico Maaßen, who only arrived from Borussia Dortmund II in the summer of 2022, has to go.

FC Augsburg has parted ways with head coach Enrico Maaßen, the club announced late Monday evening. FCA had started with five points from the first seven games and currently occupies only 15th place in the Bundesliga standings.

“We have taken the necessary time after the first seven games of the season and the home defeat against Darmstadt to look at the current sporting situation and the developments of our team, “explained Marinko Jurendic in a press release. “After open discussions with Enrico Maaßen, we have come to the conclusion that we need to make a change in the position of head coach. Unfortunately, despite great commitment and intensive work, Enno and the team have not managed to break the trend and successfully bring the desired development on the pitch,” the sports director cited as the motivation for the separation.

Managing director Michael Ströll added his thanks to Maaßen, stating, “Enno has identified with FCA at all times, showing commitment and heart and soul. However, we have come to the conclusion that a change in the coaching position is necessary to bring about a turnaround after the developments of the past weeks.”

Maaßen is “convinced that we would have managed the turnaround”

A “disappointed” Maaßen himself also commented on the decision. According to the statement, he was “convinced” that “together we would have managed the turnaround.” Nevertheless, the 39-year-old stated, “I’m grateful to FCA and those responsible for giving me the chance to work in the Bundesliga and wish FCA nothing but the best for the future, especially that the foundation we laid together leads to success.”

Maaßen only moved to the Fuggerstädtern from Borussia Dortmund II in the summer of 2022. He had previously celebrated the Regionalliga championship with both SV Rödinghausen (2019/20) and BVB II (2020/21) and subsequently led Dortmund’s reserves to ninth place in the 3rd Division.