FCA release Daniel Baier
Captain to leave after 11 years with the club
First Team
23.07.2020, 10:59
Following changes to the coaching and support staff, there will also be changes made to the FCA squad, with Daniel Baier being released by the club.
FC Augsburg held discussions with the 36-year-old following the end of the 2019/20 season about what role he would play with the team going forward. As a result, both parties have agreed to dissolve Baier’s contract. The defensive midfielder has been at the club since 2008.
“Daniel Baier joined FCA when we were a second-division side, was promoted with the team in 2011 and is our record appearance maker in the Bundesliga. However, it was clear to both him and us that his career was winding down now that he is 36. We were open and honest in our discussions with him about his situation and his changing role,” said Stefan Reuter, FCA’s managing director for sport. “Following these discussions, we arrived at a mutual agreement to dissolve his contract.”
“This past season was anything other than the usual for all of us, due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The club has had a lot to consider recently, as have I. We sat down together following the end of the season and made a joint decision that, after 11 years at the club, I don’t want to stand in the way of the club pursuing a younger squad and a new focus for the team. For myself, it’s an opportunity to take on a new adventure, because I still feel 100% fit. Or, I end my career now following an unusual season in which we managed to stay up once again. I will discuss this with my family over the coming weeks,” said Daniel Baier. “I would like to thank FCA for these last 11 years. My thanks also go out to all the employees at the club, as well as to a city which has since become my home, and especially to all FCA fans.”
Daniel Baier has been with the club since the 2008/09 season, with the exception of a short loan spell to Wolfsburg. In total, Baier has made 355 competitive appearances for FCA. “We would like to thank Daniel Baier for his commitment to FCA over all these years. In honour of what he means to the club, we have arranged a testimonial match for him, in order to give him the chance to say goodbye to the FCA fans,” said Reuter.
When the testimonial will take place remains to be seen, as it depends on when fans are allowed back into the stadium, as well as whether or not Baier chooses to continue his playing career. “Regardless, we wish Daniel Baier all the best, not just for the short-term decision on whether to continue his career, but for the future as well.”
