Benjamin Weber chuckles when asked about Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League triumph, recalling the moment he urged Mason Mount to “turn and play the pass” that set up Kai Havertz’s decisive goal against Manchester City. Weber, who spent several seasons as a tactical analyst alongside Thomas Tuchel at Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea, describes his time at Stamford Bridge as "the best period of my life".
He modestly adds that the victory was "absolutely amazing" and that he prefers not to overstate his contribution. While many of his colleagues followed Tuchel to Bayern Munich and other high‑profile projects, the 43‑year‑old chose a different route. “When you finally win the Champions League, you have to ask yourself what comes next. You always need a new objective,” he explains.
That mindset led him to step away from the elite scene and accept the role of managing director at Paderborn. "I told Thomas it was a tough decision," he says, reflecting on the emotional weight of leaving a top‑flight environment.
In 2025 Weber embraced yet another challenge, becoming the sporting director of FC Augsburg. "I don’t work just for the sake of working; I was curious enough to try something new," he notes. Augsburg, while modest compared with the clubs he previously served, have built a respectable reputation in German football. Their current spell in the Bundesliga now stretches to sixteen straight seasons – a feat only a handful of clubs can claim.
Weber’s first season at Augsburg turned out to be a landmark one. The team secured a top‑half finish for the first time in ten years, a success that came despite a bold mid‑campaign coaching change.
"It was a very difficult and emotional decision because I had previously been on the opposite side of the table and knew how it felt," Weber admits. "It would have been easy to hide behind the status quo, but I’m here to make the tough calls when they’re needed." The club dismissed Sandro Wagner and promoted Manuel Baum from within. Baum, initially appointed as a caretaker with the intention of returning to his development‑director duties, proved the right fit.
Under his guidance Augsburg climbed to ninth place, vindicating the gamble. "We struggled with results, but the underlying development was solid.
The changes we made last summer finally paid off," Weber says. Having experienced the intense scrutiny at clubs like Paris Saint‑Germain and Chelsea, Weber now appreciates the different pressures of a smaller organization. "At the big clubs there’s constant media fire, but at a club like Augsburg the pressure is more personal – you know the fans, you know the community, and you feel the weight of every decision," he explains.
"When you sign a player and the club’s survival hinges on that choice, that’s a different kind of stress. And when you have a family, the stakes feel even higher." Weber also notes that his profile has risen.
"I used to be the hidden guy in football, working behind the scenes. Now I’m a bit more in the spotlight, though not on the biggest stage.
When we succeed, I share the credit; when we stumble, I share the blame." One of the most striking aspects of his tenure has been the evolution of Baum’s role. What began as a temporary appointment became permanent, illustrating Weber’s flexibility. "Plans can change," he says.
"Baum kept an open mind, and we all felt comfortable with the new direction. It’s natural to adapt your perspective as circumstances evolve." Weber believes his analytical background gives him a unique edge in recruitment and coaching liaison. "I’ve spent my whole career dissecting matches, so I can bring that insight into scouting and player acquisition. I also understand how coaches think, which helps bridge the gap between the board and the dressing room." Augsburg’s ambitions are tempered by realistic expectations.
The WWK Arena regularly draws around 30,000 supporters – a respectable figure but modest by Bundesliga standards. Still, the club aims to punch above its weight. "Stability isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential.
We’re not standing still; we’re constantly improving while maintaining a solid foundation," Weber explains. He emphasizes that a stable environment attracts players eager to develop, positioning Augsburg as a nurturing ground for young talent. Recent transfer activity reflects that philosophy. The club turned Rodrigo Ribeiro’s loan from Sporting into a permanent deal after a promising spell, secured 21‑year‑old Hennes Behrens from Hoffenheim, and added Sima Suso from Fortuna Düsseldorf – all three promising prospects who fit Augsburg’s youth‑focused model.
When asked whether the club should dream bigger, Weber is cautiously optimistic. "You don’t have to be crazy, but you need a vision and a willingness to dream a little.
Look at Sunderland’s resurgence in England or Brentford’s rise – those stories show what’s possible. Augsburg could become a similar narrative in Germany." He stresses that character and work ethic are non‑negotiable. "If you have the right mentality, you can bring out the best in yourself and in the team. We need to hunt together, be good hunters, and climb step by step," he says.
The target may have shifted from immediate glory to sustainable growth, but Weber relishes the journey. Reflecting on his decision to join Augsburg, he concludes, "In the end, I feel it was the right move.
It’s given me a fresh challenge, a chance to shape a club’s identity, and the satisfaction of seeing tangible progress."