Jurendic evasive on topic of Maaßen's future after loss: "We're sliding back."
FC Augsburg sporting director Marinko Jurendic was noncommittal when speaking on the future of FCA trainer Enrico Maaßen in his post-match interview yesterday.
Thus far, no head-coaches have been relieved of their duties in the young 2023/24 Bundesliga campaign. Most German football watchers - if they were to pick one trainer likely sitting on the hot-seat - would point to FC Augsburg gaffer Enrico Maaßen. The 39-year-old has presided over a languid start in Germany's Fuggerstadt. Augsburg have taken five points (one win, two draws, and four losses) through seven rounds.
Augsburg have had eight different head-coaches during their current 13-year-stint in the German top flight. Maaßen is currently in his second season in charge. The former BVB II trainer did help the Fuggerstädter narrowly avoid relegation last year. The choice of whether or not to stick with the young gaffer falls new sporting director Marinko Jurendic.
This will constitute the first major personnel decision to take place under Jurendic's watch. The former Swiss professional joined the FCA administrative team last spring. After long-time managing director Stefan Reuter opted to step down from his duties last month, the 45-year-old is now the top manager in the club's front office. Jurendic acknowledged there would be discussions on Sunday.
"The trend is downwards," Jurendic told the Sky mics after yesterday's 1-2 home defeat against newly promoted side SV Darmstadt 98, "We're sliding back. This was brutally disappointing. I have to process it as well."
"We will not discuss personnel matters such as the head-coach's job in public," Jurendic continued, "Maaßen will be the coach tomorrow. Then we'll talk. We're aware we need to be responsible for the big picture."
For his part, Maaßen accepted responsibility for the defeat and reiterated that he would continue to focus on his job until directed otherwise. Maaßen offered up no hints as to whether he would still be in charge of the team after the international break.
"I am responsible for the team playing attractive and successful football," Maaßen said at the post-match presser, "The second half was unacceptable. I'll continue to do everything I can to be the coach here."