Augsburg's new season rests on character and teamwork

Augsburg has renewed manager Manuel Baum's contract for the summer of 2026 and is building on a collective of experienced heads and young talents. In an exclusive interview, sporting director Benjamin Weber stresses that the club's stability and each player's personality form the backbone for the 16th Bundesliga season.

Why does Weber place so much emphasis on character?

Weber explains that Augsburg does not rely on individual stars but on a "good group feeling." "We want to bring characters together because we don't have just one or two key players," he says. The former Paderborn chief, in office since June 2025, sees mental strength as the decisive factor for league survival. He highlights that a shared plan and a unified mindset are the foundation for long‑term success.

How did the team perform in the second half of the season?

After a strong stretch of five wins in six games between January and February, Augsburg suffered only one defeat in its last seven matches. The Fuggerstädter benefited from smart winter decisions and heightened team chemistry. In the table the club currently sits in a solid mid‑table position, with recent results boosting confidence in the current strategy.

StatisticValue
Wins (Jan‑Feb)5
Losses (last 7 games)1
Contract extensionManuel Baum, +2 years

Which young players broke through in 2025/26?

Noahkai Banks, Mert Kömür and Anton Kade received significantly more minutes in the 2025/26 season. Weber stresses that talent alone is insufficient – it must be paired with heart and mind. "We look for the right characters who grow together and learn from each other on the training ground and in the stadium," he explains. The coach believes these three have the potential to become regular starters if they continue to show the required attitude.

What does this mean for the upcoming season?

Weber sees the current squad as a solid base for the next years. He emphasizes that teamwork remains the guiding principle and that the young talents will keep receiving support. "We help them give their best, and they support us with their performance," he says. The club plans to use its Bundesliga platform to grow both on the pitch and financially.

What is the long‑term vision?

In the long run Augsburg aims to cement its status as one of the most stable clubs in the league. The focus stays on a clear playing philosophy that blends character, cohesion and continuous development. With a stable coaching staff, a renewed contract for Manuel Baum and a growing pool of young players, the goal is to secure Bundesliga stability for the years ahead.