Signs point to Manuel Baum receiving permanent coaching appointment after Augsburg clinch 16th season of Bundesliga football | OneFootball

Augsburg professionals Anton Kade and Fabian Rieder have endorsed Manuel Baum’s permanent appointment as the club’s head coach. Baum’s Fuggerstädter effectively clinched Bundesliga safety with their win over Bayer Leverkusen last weekend. The latest result renders it official

A 1-1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday – combined with the fact that 16th-placed St. Pauli were unable to pick up points against Heidenheim – now officially guarantees the Bavarian Swabians their 16th consecutive season of German top flight football. 

Kade and Rieder hopeful that Manuel Baum will stay

“If you look at the results, especially against good opponents, it’s obviously clear that we all want him to stay,” goal-scorer Anton Kade remarked in the mixed zone yesterday, “It’s particularly fun to beat opponents like Bayern or Leverkusen.”

“I would really like it,” Rieder added when asked about the prospect of Baum remaining. “Though it’s not exactly a complete hassle, a change of coaches always requires an adjustment. We’ve gelled now and one can see how he’s stabilized us. I’m very satisfied. He’s done a great job.“

Baum and Augsburg sporting director speak on the matter

“It’s a good sign that the topic is coming up,” FCA sporting director Benjamin Weber told reporters in the mixed zone. “We still need to focus on the next three games. We’re currently satisfied, even if we would have like to pick up two or three more points.“

“Of course, there’s a personal wish,” Baum told Sky Germany in his post-match interview. “But first and foremost, it’s about what’s best for the club.“

“The club must identify the goal,” Baum noted later at the post-match press conference. “We’ll then decide how to reach those goals and who fits best in what position.“

Will Baum be appointed permanently?

If one examines Baum’s statements at the beginning of his appointment and takes into consideration the manner in which he eventually sculpted the team to succeed in the relegation race, it seems clear enough that the 46-year-old harbors the desire to continue coaching the team. Following the disaster that was his Schalke coaching stint in 2020, Baum also didn’t truly succeed in his post as a developmental director at RB Leipzig. 

It is such that Baum is likely eager to remain on the sidelines rather than return to the FCA administrative position that resembles his Leipzig job. Augsburg supporters have backed Baum to serve as the man to return the club to its roots since the very beginning. One surmises that – given the enthusiasm of all parties involved – a permanent appointment will be confirmed soon.

GGFN | Peter Weis