FC Augsburg seems to have found a successor for coach Markus Weinzierl in Enrico Maassen - or not? Borussia Dortmund follows the rapid development of its U23 coach with astonishment, but confirms Augsburg's interest.
About a month before the start of the new season in the Bundesliga, the question of coaching at FC Augsburg remains unresolved for the time being. The designated BVB sports director, Sebastian Kehl, denied media reports from the weekend that the Fuggerstadt team was about to sign Borussia Dortmund's U23 coach Enrico Maaßen. "As of now, there can be no question of an agreement, let alone an implementation," Kehl told the newspapers of the Funke media group.
Several media had previously reported that the 38-year-old Maassen in Augsburg was the favorite to succeed Markus Weinzierl. The deal is nearing completion, it said. "I only got a call on Friday and found out that Augsburg was interested in signing Enrico Maassen," said Kehl and reported exactly one conversation. "To be honest, I'm very irritated that the topic is appearing in the media and that sometimes it's already being reported." Augsburger did not comment on the report when asked.
Maassen has been in charge of BVB's U23s since the summer of 2020 and managed to get promoted to the 3rd division with the talented players. In the past season, the team finished ninth there and had nothing to do with relegation. Maassen previously worked as a coach at SV Drochtersen/Assel and SV Rödinghausen. He would take over FCA in troubled times. President Klaus Hofmann has resigned from his post for health reasons. The team was repeatedly noticed by changeable performances. And the aftermath of Weinzierl's loud departure should also be felt in Swabia.
After the last Bundesliga game on May 14 against SpVgg Greuther Fürth, Weinzierl announced his farewell live on the Sky TV channel. He did not previously inform manager Stefan Reuter about his step. According to Weinzierl, there had been no talks about extending his contract until then. This was only valid until the end of June. A renewal of the agreement was actually considered a formality. "Many reasons" ultimately made the decision to say goodbye, said Weinzierl. The Fuggerstadt team ended the season in 14th place, but Reuter had expected more.
