Change of coach in the 1st Bundesliga: FC Augsburg and Sandro Wagner are going their separate ways with immediate effect.

FC Augsburg wanted to finally shake off its “gray mouse” image with Sandro Wagner – just 148 days after his introduction, the ambitious project has failed spectacularly.

The crisis-ridden Bundesliga club parted ways with the 38-year-old on Monday by mutual agreement, despite a contract that ran until 2028.

Manuel Baum will take over the unsettled team until the winter break. The 46-year-old had already coached FCA from December 2016 to April 2019. He has been back at the club since June 2025 as “Head of Development & Football Innovation.” Baum was also head coach of FC Schalke 04 from September to December 2020.

Baum is expected to turn things around—although things were supposed to get better at FCA with the energetic Wagner, former assistant to national coach Julian Nagelsmann.
However, during his five-month tenure, he failed to make his mark on the club and get it back on track for success. In twelve league games under the former national striker, there were eight defeats and only ten points, plus an embarrassing cup exit in the second round against second division side VfL Bochum.
After the recent 0-3 defeat in Hoffenheim, the doubts had become too great. Following a meeting with managing director Michael Ströll and sporting director Benjamin Weber, the decision was made to part ways. Even after the defeat in Hoffenheim, Wagner had seemed at a loss. “We can’t accept something like the first half,” he said. The “anger” was “very great,” it “hurts.” Apparently, those responsible no longer believed in a turnaround. Wagner failed with his offensive approach. With 27 goals conceded, FCA has the worst defense in the league. For Wagner, it was his first job as head coach in the Bundesliga.

Reactions to Sandro Wagner’s departure:

“We would like to thank Sandro and his team for their work and passionate commitment to our FCA. In discussions after the game in Hoffenheim, we realized that there was a lack of belief and conviction that we could turn things around in the current situation. For us, the well-being of FCA is always at the center of every decision we make, and that is why we have come to this conclusion,“ says FCA Managing Director Michael Ströll. ”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 of the path we have chosen and will continue to pursue it. Now we need to achieve stability and score points in the upcoming games,” said sporting director Benjamin Weber.

“I have always approached my role at FCA with great energy and passion. We wanted to achieve a lot together, but unfortunately we were not able to do so in the short time available. I would like to thank everyone involved for their trust and cooperation. I wish the club all the best for the future,” said Sandro Wagner.