Baum named permanent Augsburg boss on deal until 2028
Manuel Baum was handed the permanent reins at Augsburg on Wednesday having impressively steered the Bavarians away from Bundesliga danger during his interim spell in charge. The 46-year-old, who was previously coach from 2016-19, was drafted in as interim boss from an office role at Augsburg in December following the sacking of Sandro Wagner. The team showed an immediate upturn in form and finished the season ninth, having been in relegation trouble when he took over.
It was a third-best finish for the club. He repeatedly said he was not thinking about doing the job again long-term. But results demanded he was first kept on in interim charge until the end of the season before Wednesday's confirmation he would stay as permanent boss.
He has signed a deal until June 30, 2028. "Manuel has done a very good job in all respects as head coach in recent months, which is why we are very pleased that we will continue on this path together," managing director Michael Ströll said in a statement. Baum who had an unsuccessful spell as Schalke coach inbetween his stints at Augsburg, said: "Even though plans had been different when I returned as head of development and innovation, I have enjoyed the day-to-day work with the team, staff and coaching team so much in recent months that I would like to continue.
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