Who would have thought that a small Bavarian club, FC Augsburg, would take the Bundesliga by storm this season and win admirers wherever they go? Not many, let's be honest. It was expected to be just as much of a battle as the previous two seasons had been, where the onus had not been on doing articularly well, but simply survival, to stay in Germany's top flight.
This lack of expectation was breeded by Augsburg very much having survived by the skin of their teeth in the past two campaigns they have spent in the Bundesliga. The 2011-2012 season was very much a season of celebration, as Augsburg were in the top division for the first time in their history. Then-manager Jos Luhukay had done a fine job in getting the club back on track after some difficult times, culminating in a second place finish in the 2.Bundesliga which ensured automatic promotion after the heartbreak of a play-off defeat to 1.FC Nürnberg a season prior. The Bavarians sealed their top flight status with just one game to spare, eventually finishing in 14th position.
The following campaign, 2012-2013, was to be even tighter, as Luhukay had resigned from his post just a week after Augsburg had stayed up. In stepped Markus Weinzierl, but it was not to be a smooth baptism into the Bundesliga for the young manager. Things didn't quite go to plan as the Bavarians were sucked into an extremely tight relegation battle, only clinching 16th position, and safety, in the Bundesliga on the last day of the season with a 3-1 victory over SpVgg Greuther Fürth.
However, Weinzierl has almost completely turned things around in his second season at the helm. The players have a new-found confidence in their own ability, and that has been perfectly illustrated by their attacking mindset and attitude of not being afraid of any team. The shock win over Bayern Munich is a prime example of this, as the Bavarians saw off their much more illustrious counterparts thanks in large to a superb counter-attacking performance. One can almost say that Bayern Munich started their downward spiral after losing their unbeaten record to the plucky and tecnically astute FC Augsburg.
The fact that Augsburg are sure to finish in the top ten of the Bundesliga is a telling testament to the brilliant work that Weinzierl has done, and it is no surprise that other clubs have made tentative inquiries into the availability of one of the hottest young managers in the German top flight. However, after only recently having extended his contract, Augsburg fans can rest assured that their talismanic manager will stay put for a few more seasons, at the very least.
As impressive as Weinzierl has been, he would not have achieved the success he has without his players coming to te fore. Daniel Baier has been quietly brilliant all season long, and has very much been the heartbeat of every single thing Augsburg have done. The defensive midfielder is not the most flashy player you will see in that position; he won't complete fifty-yard passes, and also won't hammer in unstoppable long-range shots from miles out. But, he distributes the ball with minimal fuss, keeps possession and breaks down opposition attacks effectively. You won't see Baier in any player of the season polls, but he might just be the most important player in the team.
However, another Augsburg star performer, Andre Hahn, will surely grab your attention. The twenty-three year-old winger has won plaudits wherever he has gone thanks to his pace, technique and creativity. This has culminated in a call-up to the German National Team, which makes the rise to stardom of Hahn even more incredible given the fact that only a few seasons ago he was playing in 3.Liga for Kickers Offenbach. Against whomever he has played, Hahn has impressed, and has very much become the main fixture in the Augsburg attack. Even though he will be leaving for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the summer, one can be sure that he will be fondly remembered for his exploits in the greatest season in the Bavarians' history.
From a young buck to a wily old campaigner, another indespensible part of the success that Augsburg have obtained is veteran Turkish striker Halil Altintop. Seven goals in twenty-two appearences might not be mind boggling stats, but his influence stretches beyond mere numbers. The experience and nous that Altintop has brought to a very inexperienced side has been invaluable. Also, his ability to hold onto the ball and link midfield with attack is unparalleled, which just serves to reiterate the point of how immense Altintop has been for the Bavarian club this season.
Paul Verhaegh, Jan-Ingwer Callsen-Bracker and Tobias Werner are but a few of the other Augsburg players to have really caught the eye this season, but the fact is that it has been a perfect team effort from all involved. When called upon, every player has delivered, whether it be a starter or a bit-part player. There is a superb team spirit and cohesiveness in the squad, which has enabled the Bavarians to push on and grow into the team we see now.
The future looks very bright for FC Augsburg, and you can be sure that the Bavarians will not rest on their laurels.