Wagner: “The squad has lots of quality”
Interviews after first training session of pre-season
First Team
08.07.2025, 13:00
FC Augsburg have started pre-season with a new head coach and several new faces. Sandro Wagner, Robin Fellhauer and Finn Dahmen talked to the media about expectations and personal goals after the first training session.
Sandro Wagner on...
...the first training session and the mood in camp: “It wasn’t a high-intensity training session, I wanted it to be a relaxed return from their summer holidays. The players didn’t have to show me what they are capable of today, it was mainly about creating a good atmosphere.”
…the fans at training: “We really appreciated the fact that people were keen to see us all. They didn’t turn up to see individuals, they came to see the whole team, and that’s great for all of us, especially the players.”
...his first impression of the squad: “My first impression of the team was as positive as it was when I watched footage of them or games live in the stadium or on TV last year. This squad has lots of quality and there is ample depth in every position.”
...tasks for pre-season: “Our job during pre-season is to make sure the players are familiar with how we want to play football – but without overloading them with too much information. We need to find a good balance between fresh ideas and substance. We also want to quickly grow close as a group. If we manage to do that, we’ll be well prepared to start strongly in Halle and Freiburg.”
…the role of head coach: “The players on the pitch are ultimately most important. I believe coaches are given too much importance. We come up with the tactics and are in the spotlight a bit more perhaps in the media, but it’s the lads who actually play the game.”
Fellhauer: “I was excited by the prospect of being a part of this club”
Robin Fellhauer on...
...the new head coach Sandro Wagner: “He’s left a great impression so far, particularly with the way he talks and motivates us. I believe he’s managed to get every single player really excited for the new season. If it continues like this, I’m sure all the players would go through fire for him. I’m feeling optimistic about it.”
…his personal goals in Augsburg: “I personally want to play as much as I can and help the team to be even more successful than in recent years. I also want to make sure I still enjoy my football.”
…deciding to sign for FCA: “I was excited by the prospect of being a part of the club. No teams like playing against Augsburg or coming to this stadium. That’s what makes Augsburg a unique club for me – and I want to help continue this tradition. Sandro Wagner was also a factor in my decision to sign for FCA. My conversations with him really convinced me to come here, including his idea of how to play football.”
Dahmen: “We want to improve even further”
Finn Dahmen on...
... the new head coach Sandro Wagner: “The first impression of the new coach is very good. He’s already given us an overview of his playing philosophy, and I believe he’s managed to get every single player really excited for the new season. You could even see that a bit in today’s training. He has a strong presence, and you could feel that from the moment he entered the dressing room. At the same time, he also brings a sense of ease, throwing in a few jokes here and there. This mix makes him a very likeable coach, and the first impression is simply all positive.”
...goals for the season and dealing with pressure: "I don’t think the pressure is any greater or smaller than in any other Bundesliga season. There’s always pressure in this league, that’s just how it is. Of course, last season with 43 points was a solid one, but we want to improve even further. The club has big ambitions, and that goes for us players too. We want to work on all areas – scoring more goals, conceding fewer. If we manage that, we’ll automatically collect a few more points.”
...changes in training and pre-season: “After the first training session, it’s hard to say exactly how the work will change, but there will definitely be a lot of substance. The coach has hinted that there will be very clear routines so that we all go out on the pitch with a shared idea.”
