Football Season Guide

Augsburg endured a disastrous campaign last season both on and off the pitch as they just about managed to stay clear of the bottom three, finishing 15th place, four points above the relegation zone, while player revolt led to Manuel Baum being sacked. The club has responded with a major rebuilding job during the summer, especially at back considering Augsburg ended the season with the joint worst defense in the Bundesliga. They have signed a new keeper in Tomas Koubek while Martin Schmidt has also looked to improve his defensive options, converting Reece Oxford's loan into a permanent move while other arrivals include Marek Suchy and Mads Pedersen. Iago has been signed to provide competition to Philipp Max at leftback while Carlos Gruezo will provide some much needed steel in the center of the midfield. Jonathan Schmid, Ja-Cheol Koo and Dong-Won Ji have all left the club and have been replaced by Ruben Vargas, Florian Niederlechner and Noah Sarenren Bazee. Augsburg have also cleared the deadwood with the likes of Martin Hinteregger, Konstantinos Stafylidis, Christoph Janker and Jan-Ingwer Callsen-Bracker all leaving the club while Kevin Danso has been sent out on loan to Southampton. Augsburg do have a decent attack but much will depend on whether they will be able to keep Alfred Finnbogason fit. Niederlechner has been brought in to provide cover for the Iceland striker while Gruezo will ensure any absence of Daniel Baier will not be keenly felt. Improving their porous defense will be key to Augsburg's campaign this season as they look to stay well clear of the bottom three