Baum to resume role as head coach at Augsburg

FC Augsburg named German manager Manuel Baum its head coach Wednesday following his two-game interim stint.

Baum signed a long-term contract, according to the club's website. His assistant coach, Alexander Frankenburger, will be around until at least the end of the season, at which point Baum will be free to either bring in his own coaching staff or stick with Frankenburger.

"We are convinced that Manuel Baum is the correct coach to further implement the philosophy of FC Augsburg and help bring the club forward," said sporting director Stefan Reuter in a statement.

Although Baum has only held the reins for two matches, he has been involved with the academy for more than two years, and Augsburg's board of directors is impressed with what they have seen.

"This is why we have given him a long-term deal," Reuter explained. "He will not need a major adaptation period, as he has already been at the club for the last two-and-a-half years and showed that he can successfully carry out the club's ideals with the younger teams."

Augsburg sits in 12th place in the Bundesliga with 18 points after 16 games, but since Baum has been in control, the Bavarian side managed to pick up four points in two tough fixtures at home to Borussia Monchengladbach (1-0) and away to Borussia Dortmund (1-1).

"The two matches against Monchengladbach and Dortmund were exceptionally well-prepared," Reuter added.

Baum will look to start the year on the front foot when his side entertains Hoffenheim at home on Jan 21.