Bundesliga
Wagner shows tactical credentials
Augsburg’s new head coach Sandro Wagner continued his perfect start to life with Die Fuggerstädter thanks to a convincing 3-1 victory away to Freiburg, a win that included a stunning tactical display from the 37-year-old.
Having cruised to a first competitive triumph at the Augsburg helm in last week’s 2-0 DFB Cup first-round defeat of Regionalliga outfit Halle, all eyes were on Wagner during his new team's Bundesliga curtain-raiser.
The stats were not in his favour; Augsburg had not won on the opening day of the Bundesliga season since their 3-1 triumph at Union Berlin back in September 2020. And, in Freiburg, they were facing a side that only narrowly missed out on UEFA Champions League qualification last term.
It wasn't just the numbers that were against him either, as key players Alexis Claude-Maurice and Samuel Essende were unavailable for selection. The former was suffering from an ankle injury sustained against Crystal Palace in Augsburg's final pre-season friendly of the summer, while the latter was suspended following a red card picked up on the final matchday of the 2024/25 campaign.
As a result, many expected Wagner to start with a strike partnership of Phillip Tietz and Steve Mounié, both of whom featuress from the off in the Cup. Instead, he opted to play without a recognised striker, deploying Mert Kömür and new boy Elias Saad as a pair of number 10s.
His team selection proved spot on. Kömür was a constant throughout the first half, while Saad was always looking to launch counter-attacks and play directly.
Wagner appeared happy to allow Freiburg the majority of possession, knowing his defence of Finn Dahmen, Jeffrey Gouweleeuw, Chrislain Matsima and Keven Schlotterbeck could soak up plenty of pressure. However, most interesting was what his side did when they won possession back.
Augsburg were absolutely ruthless on the counter before the break, scoring from every shot on target they registered (three from three). Despite having only 40 per cent possession to Freiburg's 60, Augsburg were far more dangerous in the final third, a clear indication that Wagner's men implemented his game plan to perfection.
Speaking after the game, Wagner alluded to the preparations he had made going into the clash, saying: "We’re delighted to have started the season with three points after seven weeks of preparation and against a top opponent who was one of the best teams in the Bundesliga last season. It’s fantastic that our plan worked - the first half was really good. We carefully studied what Freiburg would throw at us."
The 37-year-old then added: "At Augsburg, we need to be tactically flexible. I’m very grateful to have taken over a functioning unit on the pitch from Jess Thorup but we want to change our style of play - and the squad is very open to that. Next week against Bayern, it will be a completely different game. We’ll prepare something specifically for that.”
Having impressed at Unterhaching and as an assistant to Julian Nagelsmann with the German national team, Wagner has already built a reputation as an ambitious, up-and-coming manager. Matchday 2's match with Bayern Munich represents a reunion with a team he made 25 Bundesliga appearances for during his playing career.
The Bavarians' 6-0 hammering of RB Leipzig in their opening match suggests it will be an even tougher test for Augsburg. However, should Wagner be able to show his tactical versatility once more, Bayern may not have things quite their own way.