Manuel Baum's gradual Augsburg revolution gathers speed ahead of Bayern Munich clash
Bayern Munich return to Bundesliga action this weekend when they travel to Augsburg on Matchday 5. While the Bavarians enter the encounter as favourites, they know all too well about the threat the Fuggerstädter can pose, and the team’s continued improvement under Manuel Baum means the result is far from a foregone conclusion…
As 2025 rolled into December, Augsburg found themselves in a difficult position. Having decided to inject new life into the team by appointing Sandro Wagner as head coach, they had picked up just 10 points from their opening 12 games of 2025/26 and were just three points above the relegation zone.
That ultimately led to the dismissal of the former Bayern forward, leaving a vacancy in the dugout that Baum initially filled on a temporary basis. His arrival signalled a change of direction, bringing the experience and Augsburg know-how – he was previously in charge between 2016 and 2019 – that Wagner lacked.
The change proved to be inspired. Across the following 22 games, Augsburg picked up 33 points, finishing the season comfortably in ninth place. Had a couple of results gone their way, they may well have secured European football given they were still in contention heading into the final day of the campaign.
Defensive stability was the early hallmark of Baum’s management style, with Augsburg conceding just once in his opening three games to earn him a permanent 18-month contract. They remained solid at the back, too, as only five other teams conceded fewer than their 34 goals between Matchday 13 and Matchday 34.
Their upturn in form also included a landmark result at the Allianz Arena. Bayern were unbeaten in their first 18 Bundesliga games when they faced Augsburg last term, and would go on to win the Bundesliga with ease. Yet Baum’s side proved to be the one they could not beat, suffering their only league defeat of the season at the hands of their regional neighbours.
Their victory was hardly a smash-and-grab, either. The two teams managed 15 shots apiece, with Augsburg leading on xG 1.2 to 0.9 and coming from behind to pick up the three points.
In the build-up to the fixture, Baum offered insight into his philosophy, suggesting there was more to his football than the pragmatism, while needed, he had deployed in the opening games of his second stint in charge. “I expect my team to go onto the pitch with the attitude of wanting to upset them,” he said. "It's not about worrying about damage control.”
The early stages of this term have further proved there is far more to Augsburg under Baum than a sturdy backline. Only Bayern and Freiburg have scored more than their 11 goals, a club record in the Bundesliga after four games, while their two wins from their opening two matches saw them move to the top of the league for the first time ever.
They have shown efficiency in front of goal, too, which could be crucial against a side of Bayern’s quality – while the reigning champions need seven shots on average to find the back of the net, Augsburg require only five.
The reacquisition of Michael Gregoritsch on a permanent deal has been crucial, with the Austria international already finding the back of the net three times, while Fabian Rieder shares a joint-lead at the top of the assists chart with three.
Bayern, understandably given their stature and relentless quest for excellence, do not fear opponents. Yet, while they will not be scared of facing Augsburg, they will be wary of the danger they pose, especially following that loss earlier this year. After all, Baum is beginning to earn a reputation for proving people wrong, and he would love to upset the Bayern apple cart once more.
