Manuel Baum explains why Han-Noah Massengo was substituted in Augsburg’s defeat to Freiburg

FC Augsburg head coach Manuel Baum has revealed that fatigue was behind Han-Noah Massengo’s substitution during their 2-1 Bundesliga defeat to SC Freiburg.

The 25-year-old midfielder was replaced by Marius Wolf in the 83rd minute, with the score level at 1-1 at the time.

Explaining the decision after the match, Baum said Massengo had begun showing signs of tiredness, prompting a tactical adjustment as Augsburg searched for a late winner.

“We wanted to win the game, so we brought on an attacking player at right-back,” Baum explained.

“With Han-Noah, you could see that he was getting a little tired, so we moved Fellhauer into the centre.”

The substitution saw Wolf take up the right wing-back position, while Robin Fellhauer moved into central midfield.

However, Freiburg scored just two minutes later, with substitute Cyriaque Irié heading home Vincenzo Grifo’s cross in the 85th minute to complete the visitors’ comeback.

Despite the timing of the goal, Baum refused to blame his tactical changes for the defeat.

“You don’t have to attribute it to any particular substitutions or players,” the Augsburg coach insisted.

Massengo had started the encounter in central midfield and played until the 83rd minute before making way for Wolf.

The defeat was another setback for Augsburg, who had taken the lead through Michael Gregoritsch before Igor Matanović equalised for Freiburg in the 65th minute.

Baum’s side will now look to respond in their next Bundesliga fixture as they seek to improve their results.