FC Augsburg has parted company with head coach Sandro Wagner by mutual consent, the Bundesliga club announced on Monday.

Wagner leaves only months after taking charge, with Augsburg also releasing his assistants following a run of heavy setbacks in both league and cup competitions.

Arne Engels (R) of Augsburg vies with Kouadio Kone of Moenchengladbach during the German first division Bundesliga football match between FC Augsburg and Borussia Moenchengladbach in Augsburg, Germany, Jan. 25, 2023. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)

Augsburg said the decision came after a series of frank internal discussions in which confidence in the current constellation had visibly eroded. Manuel Baum, the club's head of development and football innovation and a former first-team coach, will serve as interim coach until the winter break.

CEO Michael Stroll said the club had reached a point where the situation required decisive action. "After the Hoffenheim match it became clear that the belief and conviction to spark a turnaround were no longer strong enough," he said. "We appreciated the passion they brought every day, but every decision we make must put the wellbeing of FCA at the center."

Sporting director Benni Weber noted that Wagner had left a positive imprint despite the disappointing results. "He initiated important processes and worked with great commitment," Weber said. "We remain convinced of our long-term direction, but the immediate priority is to regain stability and pick up points."

Wagner said he had approached the task "with energy and passion" and thanked the club's management for the trust they placed in him.

The former Bayern Munich striker was appointed over the summer and had an impressive start to his tenure with a 3-1 win over Freiburg.

However, Augsburg won just two of its 11 league games that followed, drawing one and losing eight. The club also exited the German Cup in the second round after a 1-0 home defeat to second-tier Bochum.