

Assistant coach Jacob Friis to become Finland head coach
One final game with FCA
There is set to be an unexpected change to the FC Augsburg coaching staff after assistant coach Jacob Friis received an offer from the Finnish Football Association to become their national team head coach. After open and constructive talks with the 48-year-old, FC Augsburg have agreed to make the switch possible. The financial details are undisclosed.
Jacob Friis joined FCA from Viborg FF in November 2023 shortly after head coach Jess Thorup’s arrival at the club. He will remain with FCA for Saturday’s home game against 1. FC Heidenheim (25th January, 15:30 CET), before then officially completing his move to the Finland national team.
“It’s an honour for me to have the opportunity to become Finland’s head coach, so I was very keen to accept their offer. I’m very grateful to all the management at FC Augsburg for giving me the chance to gain experience in the Bundesliga and allowing me to exit my contract during the season,” said Friis. “I’m obviously looking forward to my new responsibility as a national team coach and wish FCA all the best for the rest of the season and beyond.”
Friis’ tasks to be reassigned
“Being a national team coach is something very special, which is why we were happy to talk to the Finnish FA and ultimately come to the decision to allow Jacob to pursue this opportunity. Jacob will continue to work for us until after the Heidenheim game. His tasks will then be reassigned among the technical staff. We would like to wish Jacob great success in his new position and thank him for his time at FC Augsburg,” said FCA sporting director, Marinko Jurendic.
