Second League: Officially Failed in Augsburg, now Sandro Wagner is trying in Hannover

Sandro Wagner has been appointed head coach of Hannover 96 in the 2. Bundesliga. The 38-year-old former German national team assistant and player will take charge of the club after a poor start to the season and the departure of previous manager Christian Titz. Wagner has signed a contract with the club until June 30, 2028. His new role aims to guide Hannover 96 toward promotion to the Bundesliga. Hannover 96’s sporting director, Ralf Becker, praised Wagner’s experience and approach. “He has seen and experienced football in many different facets,” Becker said. “His attacking, intense and bold style with aggressive pressing fits well with our squad.” Wagner previously coached SpVgg Unterhaching to promotion in the 3. Liga in 2023 and worked under Julian Nagelsmann during the Euro 2022 tournament. He was also linked with clubs such as Bayer Leverkusen and 1899 Hoffenheim before his first stint in the Bundesliga with FC Augsburg ended after just 12 games due to a poor record. Wagner’s tenure at Hannover begins on Monday with a public training session. Until then, interim coach Lars Barlemann will manage the team in their match against VfL Bochum on Sunday. A press conference is planned for Monday to introduce Wagner. He previously played for Werder Bremen from 2010 to 2012, alongside stints at FC Bayern Munich, 1899 Hoffenheim, Darmstadt 98, and Hertha BSC. Hannover currently sits nine points behind a direct promotion spot following just one win in their first five matches. Wagner will aim to turn things around during the upcoming break from international duty.