Two-time Danish champion Jess Thorup has replaced Enrico Maaßen in the Augsburg dugout. - © IMAGO/Ritzau Scanpix

bundesliga

Augsburg appoint Jess Thorup as new head coach

15.10.2023

Augsburg have named Jess Thorup as their new head coach, less than a week after dismissing Enrico Maaßen.

Augsburg and Maaßen part ways

Thorup, 53, has signed a contract through to 30 June 2025. The former Midtjylland, Gent, Copenhagen and Denmark youth coach takes charge with Augsburg sat 15th in the Bundesliga.

"We're happy that with Jess we have been able to attract someone who's coached at the highest level for many years andhas experience at national and international level," said Augsburg sporting director Marinko Jurendic.

"Jess has proven in his previous positions that he can develop players and lead teams to success."

Thorup had been out of work since parting ways with Copenhagen in September 2022, just months after guiding the Danish capital outfit to the Superliga title. He also won the 2017/18 Superliga as coach of Midtjylland, as well as the 2012/13 Danish Cup with Esbjerg.

"I had very constructive and goal-oriented discussions with the people in charge, and immediately felt FCA is the right step for me," commented Thorup, who already has experience of German football from his time as a player with Uerdingen.

"The club and the team have a lot of potential, and it's a great pleasure for me to work in the Bundesliga."

Augsburg lost at home to promoted Darmstadt prior to the October international break. - IMAGO/kolbert-press

Eliminated in the DFB Cup first round by lower-league opposition and with one win all season, Augsburg go to new boys Heidenheim in Thorup's first game as coach on Bundesliga Matchday 8. They've taken five points from the first 21 on offer (D2, L4), and are currently just a point above the relegation play-off spot.