- Defender Gouweleeuw is back in charge of FC Augsburg
Defensive player Jeffrey Gouweleeuw will lead FC Augsburg as captain again next season following the departure of striker Ermedin Demirovic to VfB Stuttgart. Coach Jess Thorup has appointed midfielders Kristijan Jakic and Fredrik Jensen as Gouweleeuw's deputies.
The six-player leadership team is completed by Phillip Tietz, Mads Pedersen, and Arne Maier, as announced by FCA ahead of Saturday's friendly against French giants Olympique Marseille.
Thorup explains the decision
"We have many players who could step into leadership roles. We chose this lineup because we believe it represents the team very well," Thorup explained. This is a special honor and recognition for Gouweleeuw.
Last year, Gouweleeuw's future in Augsburg seemed uncertain. The then-decision makers, including CEO Stefan Reuter, informed him that his contract would not be extended beyond the summer of 2024. However, under Thorup, Gouweleeuw has once again become a key performer and leader.
"It's an honor to lead the team back onto the pitch as captain," Gouweleeuw said about his return as FCA captain. He previously wore the captain's armband from 2020 to 2023.
Jess Thorup played a crucial role in bringing Gouweleeuw back as a key performer and leader in Augsburg's squad. Despite earlier doubts about his future with the club, Gouweleeuw expressed gratitude towards Thorup for his support, acknowledging, "I'm grateful to Jess Thorup for giving me another chance to lead Augsburg as captain."
