The mood in Augsburg is tense. During the 0:1 against Dortmund, the supporters massively criticized the club's new approach. But there was also applause after the game.
01.11.2025, 10:01
01.11.2025, 10:03
dpa
After the game, there was applause for FC Augsburg's professional footballers - despite their third defeat of the week in the 1-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund. Coach Sandro Wagner also made his way to the front of the fan curve. "I wanted to stand up and of course I wanted to say thank you," said the coach, who was surprised and positively impressed by "the tremendous encouragement" from the supporters during the 96 minutes, including stoppage time.
However, it had also become clear during the match that things were bubbling in Augsburg. And that the supporters are very critical of the ambitious approach of the FCA management with the inexperienced but dazzling head coach Wagner after six defeats in the Bundesliga and the disgraceful cup exit against second-division club VfL Bochum. This was revealed by several banners with clear messages, albeit without any specific names being mentioned.
"From gray mouse to shooting gallery"
"Big words, no action - how much longer do you want to wait?" could be read. Or: "Image change accomplished: from gray mouse to shooting gallery." And: "Cult of personality and marketing mania - these are not our values."
Wagner was asked about this after the game. He had not seen it in the game, he said. And he expressed understanding for the displeasure. "That's quite normal when the results aren't there. We have to accept that." But he did not see his name on the posters, he said on Sky.
The players were not spared either: "Should we teach you how to fight? Nobody is bigger than the club." Against BVB, none of the 30,660 spectators could find fault with the fighting spirit.
Slapstick goal leads to defeat
A slapstick goal led to defeat, with BVB goalscorer Serhou Guirassy benefiting from a botched defensive move by Augsburg. "It's just stupid that we head ourselves in and an opposing top striker is alone in front of our box," commented Wagner.
At least the 37-year-old does not currently have to fear for his job despite the meagre haul of seven points. The club management remains committed to its project with Wagner. President Markus Kraft called for "cohesion" before the game. And sporting director Benjamin Weber put the applause of the fans at the end of the game above the banners during the first half. The final impression of the evening was what counted for him: "That sticks in the mind."
