FC Augsburg coach Manuel Baum sets incremental goals for Bundesliga season

FC Augsburg coach Manuel Baum has declined to set a specific league table target for the club's 16th Bundesliga season, stating he prefers to think “in stages.” Following a ninth-place finish last season, Baum identified maintaining top-flight status as the primary objective before pursuing further goals.

Ahead of the season opener against promoted side FC Schalke 04, Baum noted that playing in the Bundesliga remains a privilege for the club, which has been in the top tier since 2011. The match coincides with Baum's 47th birthday, and he expressed a singular focus on securing a victory.

The squad faces adjustments following the transfer of vice-captain Keven Schlotterbeck to FC Southampton. Baum is considering new signing Calvin Brackelmann to bolster the defense, while the decision on who will captain the team in Schlotterbeck's absence remains between goalkeeper Finn Dahmen and midfielder Fabian Rieder. Additionally, new signing Young-Woo Seol may be ready for immediate selection.