Together with sporting director Stefan Reuter, new head coach Markus Weinzierl spoke to the press about his first few days in charge, while Reuter discussed the reasons for changing coach.

After parting ways with head coach Heiko Herrlich and his assistant Iraklis Metaxas on Monday, an old face returned to take the reins at FCA. A day later, sporting director Stefan Reuter about…

…the days after the Köln game: “The last few days were really tiring. We were in a tough situation after the Köln match. Klaus Hofmann, Michael Ströll and I sat down together for a long time to speak about the situation. We came to the decision that we needed to react this season and change our coach. We got in touch with Markus and had some really long conversations. It was important that we sensed Markus’ desire to work here again. I would also like to thank Heiko Herrlich and Iraklis Metaxas for giving their all for FCA every day they were here.”

…the reasons for changing the coach: “It’s always tough to find the right time. After the last few weeks and the way we played in recent games, we lacked belief that we would secure safety without help from other sides. We felt that we had to react during this season. The benefit is that we’ve got no game this weekend so Markus has some time to prepare the team for the game against Stuttgart. A lot of the players already know him and how he wants to play.”

“His energy during the discussions was really impressive"

…the talks with Markus Weinzierl: “Markus was our first choice. We had an incredible time at FCA together previously. His energy during the discussions was really impressive and so was the knowledge he has on the team. Having someone that isn’t new and doesn’t need time to get to know the team and surroundings is a real bonus. You could see on the training ground today that he doesn’t need any time to get going and both players and staff are raring to go.”

…assistant coach Reiner Maurer: “Reiner Maurer is a really experienced man. I’ve known him for many years and we’ve spoke a lot. I know how he analyses and what he thinks about football. I’m sure that he will work well alongside Markus. We are certain that Reiner can help us out with his experience. He’s really looking forward to it.”

Markus Weinzierl was in charge of FCA previously from 2012 to 2016, overseeing the club’s biggest ever achievement as they qualified for the Europa League. He spoke about…

...his return: “I’m happy to be back in Augsburg and to be working here again. I felt really honoured when Stefan rang me up. I knew immediately that I wanted to take this opportunity. I want to help the club out during this tough situation. We will do all we can to reach our goal of staying in the league. I’ve already had a few chats, have a good feeling and I’m excited to work with the squad.”

…his departure from Augsburg: “I had four great years here. We overcame several tough challenges and had a lot of success too. I made a mistake when I left the club back then. I know that I disappointed a lot of fans. Sometimes you only realise what you had once you no longer have it. This is in the past for me and Stefan, though. I had a really successful time in Augsburg and still know a lot of the players. I’m highly motivated to build on those old times.”

…the last few days: “It’s like coming home. It’s no secret that I’m happy to be back here. Everywhere I’ve been in the last few days has been positive. I was excited to see a few players again. I sense great trust in me, which pleases me. It’s a tricky situation, but we will sort it out together.”

"The identity is missing a bit."

…the team’s style of play: “I’ve seen every game in recent years because I’m interest in how the club and the team are doing. The identity is missing a bit. As an opponent, I always had respect for the way Augsburg played and I’ve not seen that as much in recent weeks. I’m a fan of playing to your own strengths. The team has been too reactive in recent games. They haven’t brought that aggressive nature into matches that they are known for. We need to get back to using our own strengths and find our identity again, which means playing with aggression and passion and being a horrible side to play against.”

…the team’s style of play: “I’ve seen every game in recent years because I’m interest in how the club and the team are doing. The identity is missing a bit. As an opponent, I always had respect for the way Augsburg played and I’ve not seen that as much in recent weeks. I’m a fan of playing to your own strengths. The team has been too reactive in recent games. They haven’t brought that aggressive nature into matches that they are known for. We need to get back to using our own strengths and find our identity again, which means playing with aggression and passion and being a horrible side to play against.”

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