Sandro Wagner’s Future Plans After Leaving DFB Assistant Role

According to Sandro Wagner himself, he currently lacks a definitive plan for his immediate future starting mid-June. However, it has been confirmed that the former top striker will no longer assist Julian Nagelsmann in his role as Germany’s national team coach. His contract, valid until the 2026 World Cup, will be concluded following the Nations League Final Four in June this year.

Potential Coaching Opportunities

For the 37-year-old, various options appear realistic as he takes time to consider what comes next after his stints as head coach at Unterhaching and assistant to Nagelsmann with the DFB.

Head Coach in Leipzig?

Since Marco Rose’s departure, RB Leipzig has been on the lookout for a new coach for the upcoming season. Zsolt Löw is expected to hold the position only until the end of the current season. Wagner could fit well into this role as an emerging coach, potentially collaborating with Jürgen Klopp, who serves as Head of Global Soccer at RB. While the position is appealing, there is significant competition, with other names like Oliver Glasner and Roger Schmidt also being considered.

Successor to Alonso or Kovac?

Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund currently have head coaches, but their future is uncertain. At Leverkusen, a departure of successful coach Xabi Alonso seems likely as he may seek to join his former club Real Madrid, possibly succeeding Carlo Ancelotti. Meanwhile, Dortmund’s coach Niko Kovac has a contract until 2026, but unlike Alonso, he isn’t expected to be pursued by a top club. Dortmund’s potential failure to qualify for international competition next season raises questions about Kovac’s future.

Return to Hoffenheim?

Wagner is familiar with Hoffenheim from his playing days in 2016 and 2017. Current coach Christian Ilzer could be under pressure after a rocky season, leading to speculation about Wagner’s chances should he be considered. However, it seems unlikely that Wagner would leave the DFB role for a position in Kraichgau.

Focus on Coaching Development

One option Wagner himself has mentioned is focusing entirely on his coaching education, which he has been pursuing with the DFB since the beginning of the year as part of the 71st Pro License course. This scenario is viewed as the least probable, as it would allow Wagner to remain an assistant under Nagelsmann until the World Cup next year.