Football Season Review

№15: Augsburg

Augsburg did just enough to stay out of the bottom three after an inconsistent campaign saw them finish just outside the relegation zone for a second straight season. The season began on a disappointing note for Augsburg who struggled defensively in the opening weeks, managing just one win from their first 10 games. They did manage to tighten up at the back and that provided a platform for six-match unbeaten run midway through the season, five of which ended in victories. The wheels though quickly fell off and Augsburg were only able to win just one more time until the season was interrupted due to the pandemic. By then Martin Schmidt had been relieved of his position and Heiko Herrlich was brought in for what was clearly a relegation battle. Results improved slightly when the season resumed with Augsburg winning two and losing three of their final eight games to secure their safety with a couple of games to spare. Both Schmidt and Herrlich were hampered by the absence of key striker Alfred Finnbogason who endured another injury hit campaign and could only make 10 starts. Florian Niederlechner filled in admirably up front and was Augsburg's best player as he ended the campaign with 13 goals and also chipped in with six assists. Augsburg had improved their defensive options this year but will now need to focus further up the field in support for Niederlechner while there is not much depth on the flanks with question marks over Marco Richter's future and Herrlich often forced to field Philipp Max in an advanced position


Player of the Season: Florian Niederlechner