Football Season Guide

Augsburg just about managed to stay clear of the relegation zone once again last season despite collecting the joint worst points haul in the last few years. It was another season of turmoil for Augsburg who relieved Dirk Schuster of his duties midway through the campaign despite the club sitting in a decent position in the league table. Manuel Baum took over from Schuster but results did not improve for Augsburg who were able to stay out of the bottom three thanks to an unbeaten run in the final four games of the season. Baum has retained his job ahead of the new campaign and has been busy in the summer shuffling his squad. Augsburg parted with their captain in the summer after Paul Verhaegh was sold to Wolfsburg while another first choice player, Dominik Kohr, has also left the club to Bayer Leverkusen. With Halil Altintop released on a free transfer, Augsburg will be without three of their most experienced players heading into the campaign. With regards to arrivals, Michael Gregoritsch has been their biggest purchase so far in the summer, increasing the depth up front with Augsburg retaining the services of both Raul Bobadilla and Alfred Finnbogason. The arrival of Marcel Heller though could be crucial for Augsburg, with the winger impressing for Darmstadt last season despite the team finishing the campaign at the bottom. Sergio Cordova has also been signed from Caracas and will provide a decent option on the flanks while Rani Khedira is expected to challenge Moritz Leitner and Gojko Kacar for a place in the centre of the midfield. Baum was appointed with the hopes that he would bring back the direct approach favoured by Markus Weinzierl and while he was embroiled in a relegation battle in the second half of the last season, there are no such excuses this time around and a poor start could increase the pressure on the 37-year old with Augsburg once again expected to struggle against relegation this season.