Football Season Guide

Augsburg needed another change on the sidelines to salvage their campaign last season but affected the change early enough to almost secure a European qualification spot, though a late slump in form meant they had to settle for a solid midtable finish. Augsburg have been busy in the transfer window, bringing in as many as seven new faces with Jakic's loan being converted into a permanent move while Keven Schlotterbeck will boost their options in the defense. Samuel Essende and Nediljko Labrovic have also been signed from FC Vizela and HNK Rijeka but the duo are unknown faces in the Bundesliga. Marius Wolf has been signed on free from Borussia Dortmund while Dimitrios Giannoulis and Steve Mounie also arrive without the need for any transfer fees. Augsburg's success last season was largely thanks to contributions from Demirovic who was both the top scorer and creator but has since completed a big move to Stuttgart. Their depth in the attack has also been reduced with Michel's sale while Beljo and Cardona have both been loaned out. Koubek and Iago have also left the club while Augsburg have not extended Mbabu's loan deal despite the fullback emerging as the first choice at right back. While they had come very close to securing European qualification despite losing six of their final seven games, Demirovic's departure have left them weakened ahead of the new season kickoff and coach Thorup will be hoping the new signings click quickly if he is to ensure they stay well clear of the relegation zone this time around.