The FC Augsburg squad has expressed a clear desire to continue working with interim coach Manuel Baum, following a remarkable run that has propelled the club into contention for European football. Before the season, most would have accepted a mid-table finish, but now Augsburg can secure a spot in European competition with a win in their final match against Union Berlin.
Since taking over from Sandro Wagner in December, Baum has transformed the team. The 46-year-old has guided the Fuggerstädter to 33 points since matchday 13, a tally bettered by only six other Bundesliga clubs during that period. Playmaker Mert Kömür, after the 3-1 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach, was unequivocal when asked if the team wants Baum to stay: “Of course. We are winning games, and it’s fun to win here with the fans – with Manu, who pushes everyone. Naturally, it’s good when you win.”
Augsburg’s resurgence has seen them leapfrog the likes of SC Freiburg and Eintracht Frankfurt in the standings, though those rivals still hold a narrow lead. However, with Freiburg losing 3-2 to Hamburger SV on Sunday, Augsburg now has a chance to climb to seventh place on the final matchday and qualify for European competition for the first time since the 2015/16 season.
Baum, who previously served as Augsburg’s head coach from 2016 to 2019, was originally brought in as a temporary replacement from his role as development director. He was expected to return to that position in the summer. But with the team’s strong performances, calls for him to remain as head coach are growing louder.
When asked about his future, Baum remained cautious: “It’s not Christmas yet. You can make wishes at Christmas. I think I’ve been answering this question since the first game against Frankfurt in December. We’ve managed it for so long now. We’ll get through this last week too.” The club has indicated that a decision will only be made after the season ends, and the outcome remains open.
