Benjamin Weber often chuckles when asked about Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League triumph. “For sure,” he replies, recalling how he urged Mason Mount to “turn and play the pass” that set up Kai Havertz for the solitary goal against Manchester City. That moment, he says, captures the excitement of his time as an analyst for Thomas Tuchel at Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and, most famously, Chelsea.
He describes those years at Stamford Bridge as "the best of my life," adding that winning the title was "absolutely amazing" and that he prefers not to overstate or understate his contribution. Most of his colleagues rode the wave of success to follow Tuchel to Bayern Munich and beyond, but Weber, now 43, chose a different route. "When you fight for the Champions League and finally win it, what more can you ask for? You always need a new objective," he explains.
That mindset led him to leave Chelsea and accept the managing‑director role at Paderborn, a decision he admits was "tough" to convey to Tuchel. In 2025 he took the next step, becoming sporting director of Augsburg, a club that, while modest compared with his previous employers, has carved out a remarkable story in German football. Augsburg’s recent record is impressive: the team has now spent 16 straight seasons in the Bundesliga, a feat only six other clubs can claim.
Weber’s first full season there culminated in a historic achievement – the club’s first top‑half finish in ten years. That success came despite a bold mid‑season coaching change, a move many would have deemed risky.
"It was very difficult and emotional," Weber admits, noting that he had previously sat on the opposite side of the table and understood the pressure of making such a decision. "It would have been easy to hide, but I’m here to make tough calls when they’re needed.
We needed something different to get back on track," he says. The club dismissed Sandro Wagner and promoted Manuel Baum from within. Baum, originally appointed as a temporary caretaker while still overseeing development, steadied the ship and ultimately secured the permanent head‑coach position.
Under his guidance Augsburg climbed to ninth place, a respectable finish after a summer of roster changes. For Weber, the transition from the glamour of Paris and London to the more grounded environment of Augsburg has been eye‑opening. "At the bigger clubs there was constant pressure, but at a smaller club the pressure is more personal – you know that a single signing could determine the club’s survival," he reflects.
"When you lose your job at a small club and have a family, that pressure is very real." Now, with a higher public profile, Weber feels he has moved from being "the hidden guy" in football to a more visible role. He doesn’t crave the biggest stage, but he embraces the responsibility that comes with success and failure alike. His analytical background, he believes, gives him an edge in recruitment and in understanding a coach’s mindset. Augsburg’s fan base of roughly 30,000 at the WWK Arena may not rival the giants of the league, yet the club’s ambition is palpable.
"Stability isn’t sexy, but it doesn’t mean standing still," Weber says. "We know we have to keep improving, and being seen as a perennial Bundesliga side helps us attract talent." The club’s strategy revolves around becoming a hub for young players eager to develop. Recent moves illustrate this philosophy: Rodrigo Ribeiro’s loan from Sporting was made permanent after a promising season, Hennes Behrens arrived from Hoffenheim, and Sima Suso joined from Fortuna Düsseldorf – all three are 21‑year‑olds. "Players love to come to Augsburg because we offer a clear pathway to first‑team football," Weber explains.
He also wants to strengthen ties with the youth academy, making player development the club’s hallmark. When asked how far Augsburg can push this model, Weber is cautiously optimistic. "You don’t have to be crazy, but you need to dream a little and have a vision," he says, pointing to English examples like Sunderland’s resurgence and Brentford’s rise as proof that clubs can rewrite their narratives. "Maybe Augsburg can become that story in Germany." He emphasizes character and work ethic as essential ingredients.
"If you have those, you can bring out the best in yourself and hunt for the top together," he adds. The aim isn’t to chase immediate glory but to build a sustainable culture of ambition, step by step.
Looking back, Weber feels his decision to join Augsburg was the right one. "In the end, I have the feeling it was a good decision," he concludes, confident that his blend of analysis, recruitment insight, and understanding of coaching will continue to benefit the club as it strives to punch above its weight in the Bundesliga.