October: A Dane becomes new head coach

Review of the year 2023

Another year is coming to an end: 365 days of both highs and lows, but above all a host of memorable moments for FC Augsburg. It’s time once more to reflect on the past twelve months. In part ten of FCA’s review of the year, we look back on October.

FCA travelled to SC Freiburg on the first weekend in October. The Fuggerstädter lost 2-0 there and were made to continue to wait for the first points of the season away from home. SV Darmstadt 98 were the visitors on matchday 7 and the newly-promoted side condemned FCA to their first home defeat of the season (2-1 loss). FCA’s revival came too late and Demirović’s consolation goal wasn’t enough to secure the home side their minimum target of a draw.

That was to be head coach Enrico Maaßen’s last game in charge. Following extensive discussions and an assessment of the current sporting situation, FCA made the decision to relieve the 39-year-old of his duties with immediate effect.

After parting ways with Maaßen, FC Augsburg didn’t just recruit their dream candidate, but also managed to secure the services of an internationally experienced head coach in the form of the Dane Jess Thorup, who fully identifies with FCA’s chosen path. The 53-year-old was given a contract that is set to run until 30th June 2025.

A first away win in over a year

Thorup made his first appearance on the touchline away at newly-promoted 1. FC Heidenheim on matchday 8 – and he tasted victory straight away. Despite going 2-0 down early on, FC Augsburg pulled off a crazy comeback and secured a 5-2 win. That was their first away win in more than a year. The Fuggerstädter had never previously come from two goals down to win a game in the Bundesliga, whilst scoring five goals away from home was also a first. Phillip Tietz, Mads Pedersen, Ermedin Demirović, Felix Uduokhai und Elvis Rexhbecaj all got on the scoresheet.

Jess Thorup then had his first home game in charge against VfL Wolfsburg. His side once again demonstrated their ability to come from behind, running out 3-2 winners in an extremely entertaining game. After Phillip Tietz put FCA 1-0 up, it was initially Wolfsburg who turned the game around before the break. However, an own goal and Arne Engels’ first Bundesliga goal gave FCA a deserved three points and their second home win of the season.