FC Augsburg: New season, new luck? – data analysis

Last season, FC Augsburg finished 15th in German Bundesliga and just 5 points ahead Werder Bremen that needed to go to the play-offs. After their head coach change, Heiko Herrlich di not have the best start at Augsburg. However, they stayed in Bundesliga. The next season starts with difficult matches against teams like Borussia Dortmund, VFL Wolfsburg, RB Leipzig and Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Then, FC Bayern are waiting for them at the end of the first half of the season.

During the summer transfer window, Augsburg improved their squad with experienced Bundesliga players. However, they also lost some talented players. So, did Augsburg do a good job during the current transfer window? And, can they avoid a similarly bad season like last year?

In this data analysis, we will take a closer look at FC Augsburg´s squad, their players´ data and statistics. Furthermore, this analysis will provide you with Augsburg´s playing style.

Squad width

First of all, we will look at the squad structure and the width within the team. As you can see in the image below, Augsburg´s current squad list has 30 names. Three goalkeepers are Bundesliga standard. Adding to that, they have a good number of full-backs (five, three left-backs and two right-backs) and with four centre-backs they are well-staffed for their two competitions (Bundesliga and DFB Pokal). In the midfield, the team seems to be unbalanced as they have six central midfielders and only one central offensive midfielder. All in all, they have six wingers (five right-wings and only one nominal left-wing). Five forwards complete the squad list.

Considering, that Augsburg only participate in the national competitions of Bundesliga and DFB Pokal, 30 players might be the perfect squad width for the upcoming season.

Goalkeepers

Even if Augsburg lost an experienced goalkeeper with Andreas Luthe (Union Berlin), they are well-staffed in the goalkeeping position. Rafael Gikiewicz (32, Union Berlin) is their new number one goalkeeper. Together with Tomas Koubek (28), Gikiewicz will fight for the spot in the first eleven. Koubek came to Augsburg for 7,5 million euros last summer but could not meet the expectations. He lost his starting spot to Luthe last season and might be only the number two this season again. Benjamin Leneis (21) will be Augsburg´s third option next season.