Manuel Baum Discusses Augsburg's Bundesliga Campaign and Future Prospects

Manuel Baum, the head coach of FC Augsburg, has provided extensive insights into his decision to continue leading the team, his tactical blueprints for the upcoming season, and the specific roles of various squad members. In an interview, the 46-year-old also highlighted several Augsburg players he believes new German national coach Jürgen Klopp should monitor.

Last season, Baum successfully guided Augsburg to a ninth-place finish in the Bundesliga, marking the club's best league performance since 2015. What initially began as a temporary three-match assignment after Sandro Wagner's dismissal in December evolved into a more permanent role.

Baum initially expressed his desire to simply enjoy his unexpected return to Bundesliga coaching, famously stating in December that he was merely "installing guardrails on the Autobahn" before returning to his position as Augsburg's head of development and football innovation. However, by late April, following Augsburg's successful navigation away from the relegation battle under his guidance, Anton Kade and Fabian Rieder openly supported Baum for the permanent position. Baum ultimately agreed to a contract extension through 2028.

Speaking from Augsburg's training camp, Baum revealed that his decision to remain head coach was finalized only the week after the season concluded. After careful reflection, he concluded that stepping back into his previous administrative role and appointing a new head coach would have jeopardized the continuity established during his successful second tenure on the sidelines. He emphasized that sustainable clubs cannot constantly reinvent themselves with every coaching change.

Baum on Club Culture and His Role

Baum's emphasis on club culture has been a defining aspect of his second stint. When organized fan groups continued to protest the club's "image change" in December, Baum personally engaged with the supporters, urging them to give the team "ten percent more than their best." Following Baum's return in Matchday 13, Augsburg accumulated as many or more points than Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Hoffenheim, and Stuttgart by February, demonstrating a significant turnaround.

Baum attributes FCA's success to the creation of a cohesive unit and a positive dressing-room atmosphere. He noted that players enjoyed training and working together, while the coaching staff focused on providing each individual with a clear purpose. Crucially, Baum explained that Augsburg adapts its playing style to suit its players rather than forcing players to conform to a rigid tactical plan.

Baum's Tactical Plans for the Season

One tactical adjustment from the end of last season has become permanent: Fabian Rieder will continue to play in central midfield. The Swiss international reportedly informed Baum during the team's end-of-season celebrations that his performances in this role represented the best football of his career, confirming Baum's belief that he has found Rieder's optimal position.

Baum also confirmed that strikers Michael Gregoritsch and Rodrigo Ribeiro can play together, appreciating their different profiles. Ribeiro's role was initially unclear upon his arrival from Sporting CP during the winter transfer window, especially with Gregoritsch already on the squad and other center-forward options available. Despite this, Baum gave Ribeiro a surprise Bundesliga start in February, explaining the club's commitment to providing young players with opportunities at the right time. Ribeiro rewarded the faith with his first Bundesliga goal, showcasing his technical quality.

Gregoritsch also emerged as a key player in the second half of the campaign. Baum offered a balanced defense of the Austrian player after his widely praised fair-play intervention against Hamburg in April. However, the coach prefers not to create excessive tactical options simply due to the versatility of his squad.

Baum believes each player should have a clear primary position ("1A") and a secondary alternative ("1B"). Constantly introducing new possibilities can confuse players, he feels. Anton Kade serves as a prime example. Initially viewing himself as a wing-back, Augsburg's staff recognized his attributes could be better utilized further forward, demonstrating how playing higher could lead to more scoring opportunities. Kade was even deployed as a center-forward early in Baum's tenure, notably spearheading the attack in Augsburg's surprising victory over Bayern.

Kade's development has been significant enough for Baum to mention him as a potential candidate for the German national team.

Dahmen, Kade, Kömür, Banks, and Schnitzer for Klopp?

When asked if any Augsburg players might be considered by new national coach Jürgen Klopp, Baum readily identified several candidates. He hopes Finn Dahmen and Anton Kade are already on Klopp's radar. Mert Kömür, Noahkai Banks, and academy prospect Tim Schnitzer are players Baum hopes will eventually join them. New signing Hennes Behrens was also mentioned, along with Robin Fellhauer's potential as a wing-back for Germany.

Baum had publicly advocated for goalkeeper Finn Dahmen in April after a spectacular nine-save performance against Bayer Leverkusen, arguing that his consistent displays warranted international consideration. Noahkai Banks presents an interesting international case, having had a significant breakthrough last season and expressing openness to representing either the United States or Germany at the senior level. Banks credited both Wagner and Baum for his development.

Hennes Behrens: A Notable New Signing

Hennes Behrens is a key new addition, acquired for €3.5 million. Baum believes Behrens embodies the club's recruitment profile: young, with proven Bundesliga experience at Heidenheim, and likely to receive significant playing time following Giannoulis' departure. Character was also a factor, with Baum describing Behrens as grounded and natural, fitting Augsburg's desired locker-room personality. Heidenheim's coach, Frank Schmidt, even recommended Behrens.

Manuel Baum Prepares for Schalke Reunion

Augsburg's opening fixture presents an interesting challenge as they face Schalke, the club Baum briefly coached between September and December 2020. His time at Schalke was unique, occurring during the pandemic, which prevented him from experiencing the club under normal circumstances, with limited spectators even for a Revierderby.

His second tenure at Augsburg has yielded very different memories, including victories over Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich. The win against Bayern ended their 27-match Bundesliga unbeaten streak, leading to a memorable press conference exchange where Vincent Kompany was confused by a reference to a case of beer before Baum confirmed his players could celebrate with one.

More importantly, Augsburg transformed from relegation candidates to a ninth-place finish. The focus now is on what Baum and his settled squad can achieve over a full season. When asked what would make him happy a year from now, Baum humorously stated it would be "nice if I were still conducting the interview as Augsburg head coach."