In an interview with Germany’s Süddeutsche Zeitung, former Augsburg head coach Sandro Wagner has spoken on his brief and turbulent tenure in the Bundesliga. The 38-year-old admitted that taking a German top flight job just four years after attaining his coaching license might have been a bit premature. The popular former German footballer conceded that the FCA experience confirmed that he still had a lot to learn.
The former DFB assistant to Julian Nagelsmann is also in no hurry to coach again. For the time being, Wagner simply enjoys watching football and remaining out of the limelight. Wagner sought to emphasize that, contrary to what one might expect from his seemingly extrovert personality and free-flowing speech, he actually enjoys the peace-and-quiet associated with his newly changed phone number.
Sandro Wagner on his rambling press statements
“I can be polarizing at times and a lesson I learned at Augsburg is that I shouldn’t necessarily reinforce that image,” Wagner said. “There were times in which I let myself get carried away with my words or when I made a statement that left out a half a sentence. Sometimes I was still emotional and let myself be drawn in by provocative questions.
“I learned some huge lessons,” Wagner continued. “[FC Bayern Munich head coach] Vincent Kompany is actually a great role model in that regard. Hardly anyone masters the art of evading attacks as well as he does. Even as a player, I had to learn a lot of things to hard way. I wish the Augsburg stint had ended on a better note, but it was a huge learning experience.“
Wagner on life after Augsburg
“I never sought the spotlight and actually don’t like it at all,” Wagner told the newspaper. “For anyone who doesn’t really know me, that might sound surprising. but it’s true. I’m glad I changed my phone number and should have done it earlier. I love watching football, but don’t want to show up anywhere lest anyone read too much into it.
“I never want to be a coach who stands up and says: ‘Hello, I’m ready again! I’m fired up again!,'” Wagner concluded. “For now, I just study football, seek out feedback and get a feel for the possibilities. If something fits, I’ll jump in, and if not, then I won’t.”
