Rafał Gikiewicz likens Enrico Maaßen to Julian Nagelsmann

Augsburg goalkeeper Rafał Gikiewicz has heaped praise on former Borussia Dortmund II head coach Enrico Maaßen, and has backed him to go on a similar path as Julian Nagelsmann.

Enrico Maaßen took charge of FC Augsburg ahead of the start of the 2022/23 season, his first coaching job in the Bundesliga. The 38 year old has done an excellent job so far with the Bavarian club, who find themselves in 14th place in the Bundesliga standings. And Augsburg goalkeeper Rafał Gikiewicz has likened his head coach to Bayern Munich’s Julian Nagelsmann.

In an interview with Kicker, Gikiewicz said that Maaßen allows them to play without any fear regardless of the team they are facing.

"“After two or three weeks, we noticed that as a coach he is in the same vein as Julian Nagelsmann. Under Enno, Bayern Munich comes to us, but he still lets us stand tall, regardless of whether we are facing de Ligt, Neuer or Upamecano. I think this approach is better because it gives us more confidence.”"

Augsburg have produced a number of excellent performances in the Bundesliga under Maaßen so far this season. They have already earned impressive wins over Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich, and also managed to claim a 3-3 draw against RB Leipzig.

Augsburg’s first game back after the winter break will see them go up against Enrico Maaßen’s old club Borussia Dortmund.

The highly rated head coach was in charge of the BVB U-23s for two seasons. He led them to promotion to the third division of German football in his first season as head coach, before guiding his side to a very respectable ninth place finish in the 3. Liga last season.

A number of former Borussia Dortmund U-23s coaches have gone on to achieve success at first division clubs in recent years. And it appears that Maaßen is headed down a similar path.