Benjamin Weber chuckles when asked about Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League triumph, recalling how he urged Mason Mount to "turn and play the pass" that set up Kai Havertz’s decisive strike against Manchester City. Weber, who served as an analyst under Thomas Tuchel at Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and later at Chelsea, describes his time at Stamford Bridge as the most exhilarating period of his career. "Winning that title was incredible," he says, "and I don’t want to overstate or understate my role in it." While many of his colleagues followed Tuchel to Bayern Munich and other high‑profile appointments, the 43‑year‑old Weber chose a different route.
"When you fight for the Champions League, finally lift the trophy, you start asking yourself what comes next. You always need a new objective," he explains.
That mindset led him to accept the managing‑director role at Paderborn, a decision he admits was difficult to convey to Tuchel. In 2025 he took on yet another challenge, becoming sporting director of Augsburg, a club that, while modest compared to his former employers, has become a noteworthy success story in German football. Augsburg have now secured 16 consecutive seasons in the Bundesliga, a feat matched by only six other German clubs.
Weber’s first season at the club proved to be a watershed moment: the team achieved its first top‑half finish in a decade, despite a mid‑campaign coaching change that many considered risky. "It was a hard decision and an emotional one," Weber reflects. "I’ve sat on the opposite side of the table, so I understand the pressure. It would have been easy to hide, but I’m here to make the tough calls when they’re needed." The club dismissed Sandro Wagner and promoted internal candidate Manuel Baum to the helm.
The move paid off; Augsburg turned a struggling start into a respectable ninth‑place finish, validating the strategic overhaul that had begun the previous summer. Weber notes that while the larger clubs he worked for brought immense pressure, the stakes at smaller outfits are equally intense, albeit in a different way. "At Paderborn, signing the right player could mean the difference between survival and relegation. Losing a job at a small club while you have a family is a very personal pressure," he says.
Now, with a higher public profile at Augsburg, Weber acknowledges that he is no longer the “hidden guy” of football. "I don’t need the biggest stage, but when we succeed I’m part of it, and when we fall short I’m also accountable," he admits.
His first major decision at Augsburg—keeping Baum as permanent head coach after an interim spell—has turned out to be a masterstroke. "Plans change, and Baum kept an open mind. We didn’t know if he would return to his development role, but everyone felt comfortable with the new arrangement," Weber explains.
"It’s human to reassess your perspective." Weber believes his analytical background gives him a unique edge in recruitment and in understanding a coach’s mindset. "I’ve spent my whole life analyzing games, so I can apply that insight to player scouting and also empathise with what coaches need," he says.
The challenge, however, is to translate those advantages into tangible progress for a club whose average attendance hovers around 30,000—respectable but modest by Bundesliga standards. Stability, according to Weber, is the club’s most valuable asset. "Stability isn’t glamorous, but it doesn’t mean stagnation. Augsburg must keep improving while maintaining a solid foundation," he remarks.
The club aims to become a magnet for young talent, positioning itself as a nurturing environment where players can develop and showcase their abilities. Recent signings illustrate that philosophy: 21‑year‑old Rodrigo Ribeiro’s loan from Sporting was made permanent after an impressive season, while Hennes Behrens arrived from Hoffenheim and Sima Suso joined from Fortuna Düsseldorf, all three promising prospects under 22. When asked whether Augsburg should dare to dream bigger, Weber replies, "You don’t have to be reckless, but you need a vision and a willingness to dream a little.
Look at Sunderland’s resurgence in England or Brentford’s rise—those are stories that inspire. Augsburg could become a similar narrative in Germany." He stresses that a strong work ethic and character are essential ingredients for any club hoping to punch above its weight. "If the squad shares a hunter’s mentality, if we all want to chase success together, we can progress step by step," Weber says.
The ambition is not to become a European powerhouse overnight, but to build a sustainable model where talent is cultivated, the community feels connected, and the club consistently competes in the upper half of the table. Reflecting on his journey, Weber feels confident that his decision to leave the limelight of Chelsea and embrace the challenges of Augsburg was the right one.
"In the end, I have the feeling it was a good decision," he concludes, smiling at the prospect of guiding a modest club toward a brighter, more ambitious future.