Sandro Wagner may have choices in German coaching merry-go-round

Sandro Wagner may have several options because many German clubs ranging from Bundesliga runners-up Bayer Leverkusen to ailing but famous second division side Schalke need a new coach.

It is not known whether either side is interested, but Wagner's name is featuring prominently ever since he announced his resignation as German national team assistant coach after the Nations League finals in June in order to become a head coach himself.

According to dpa sources, the 37-year-old former striker has several clubs to chose from.

Wagner has confirmed on LinkedIn that "there have been several concrete approaches from clubs over the past weeks. That honours me."

Wagner has said he will make an announcement after the end of the season but reports have linked him with 2024 champions Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, Wolfsburg, Hoffenheim and Augsburg as well as with second tier sides Cologne and Schalke.

Leverkusen, Leipzig, Wolfsburg, Cologne and Schalke all need a new helmsman while Hoffenheim's Christian Ilzer und Jess Thorup of Augsburg may not last beyond the season.

Como's Cesc Fabregas was reportedly a candidate for Leverkusen to succeed follow Spaniard Xabi Alonso, and for Leipzig as well, but is said to have decided to stay at the Serie A side.

Germany's second division alone has seen seven coaches dismissed over the last four weeks. Schalke, Hanover, Greuther Fürth and relegated Regensburg even fired two coaches during the season.

Some changes have worked, with Cologne on promotion course under 71-year-old veteran caretaker Friedhelm Funkel and Hertha Berlin safe under Christian Pander.

But Benno Möhlmann, head of the coaches' organization BDFL has named this "scary" and said that axing coaches had becme "a little too fashionable."