For the majority of their history FC Augsburg have been synonymous with mediocrity flirting between the second and third tiers of German football. But that all changed in 2011, when for the first time in their 104 year history (at the time) they were promoted to the Bundesliga. Many were forgiven for thinking that the Fuggerstädter would swiftly be relegated back into the 2nd division, but they were wrong; Augsburg did the unthinkable and stayed up. 

That summer, whilst in the midst of managerial turmoil, the club turned to Markus Weinzierl; the man who had led Jahn Regensburg into the 2. Bundesliga. After a tricky first year the club, Weinzierl's work came to fruition. He guided Augsburg to 8th position, the highest in the clubs history and only 1 point of Europe. The SGL Arena, has been transformed into a fortress, with 30'000 fans creating a raucous atmosphere; Infact Augsburg where the team that would end Bayern Munich's famous 53 match undefeated run, the first time an Augsburg team had beat Bayern since 1961.

The summer saw Augsburg strengthen significantly, perhaps signs of the ambition the club from Swabian Bavaria has. Notable additions included 2. Bundesliga pair, Caiuby and Abdul Rahman Baba from FC Ingolstadt and Greuther Fürth respectively; as well as promising German striker, Shawn Parker, from Mainz.

Augsburg started the season in poor form, losing their first three competitive matches which included an embarrassing Pokal defeat to FC Magdeburg; which led to many questioning whether Weinzierl and Augsburg could repeat last seasons feats. But since then they've won 5 out of their last 9, which has propelled them into 7th position. 

With the turmoil that has surrounded many of the larger more traditional clubs in the Bundesliga, it has presented an opportunity, the possibility of European football. You can only whisper it around the city and many will be excited, the prospect of Europe for the Fuggerstädter is a real possibility. 

Weinzierl has created a well organised squad, which also has plenty of flair and pace. On their day, Augsburg are capable of defeating anybody, but in the same sense they can be defeated by anyone, as portrayed in the defeat to Magdeburg. The pairing of Jan-Ingwer Callsen-Bracker and Ragnar Klavan in the centre of defence is capable of stopping many of the very best attacking units in the Bundesliga, whilst the plethora of attacking options, including Raúl Bobadilla and Sascha Mölders will score many goals throughout the campaign.

Whether Europe is an attainable aim for Augsburg or not, it still cannot be argued what a transformation Markus Weinzierl has sparked at FC Augsburg and with the way his tenure so far has gone anything is possible; so don't be surprised to see Augsburg sat amongst the European positions come May.

Whilst their may be teams who have better resources or a better squad such as Hoffenheim and Borussia Mönchengladbach, Augsburg have the depth and squad togetherness to push them all the way. In my opinion Augsburg will fall short once again, but Weinzierl is laying down the foundations of a great club at Augsburg and in future years they could be regulars on the European stage.