Daniel Baier has been described to some as FC Augsburg's own Kyle Beckerman.
A club legend at the Bavarian club, Baier made 347 appearances across all competitions for FC Augsburg, playing for the Fuggerstādter for 10 years.
Born in Cologne, Germany in 1984, Baier would rise through the Teutonia Obernau, TSV Mainaschaff, Viktoria Aschaffenburg, and 1860 Munich youth system before moving to VfL Wolfsburg where he'd make 16 appearances for the First team. Following a loan to Augsburg during the 2008-09 season, he'd eventually rejoin Augsburg on a permanent deal and stay there for the rest of the career. He helped his club get promoted from the 2. Bundesliga to the Bundesliga in the 2010-11 and helped them stay in the German top flight for the rest of the career.
Baier recently visited Real Salt Lake facilities to observe both match week and match day activities and gave his thoughts following his stop in Salt Lake City:
1. Describe your visit to the club and what stood out to you most?
I felt very comfortable from the first moment. The people were very nice and open to me. I noticed that the most.
2. What do you think of the ZBRA facility and Rio Tinto Stadium?
Just wow. The facility is incredible. Great conditions. The Courts outside, the indoor courts, cabin, fitness, etc. Top prerequisites like I haven't seen them before.
3. What did you think of the match experience and fans?
It was a great atmosphere, the fans supported the team until the end. I was surprised that the stadium was so full. The performance of RSL and the fans would have deserved a victory.
4. How would you describe the culture Pablo has created for his staff and RSL?
As I answered with the first question, I noticed the cooperation and the people the most and I think that's also a merit of Pablo. He has the responsibility and leads by example. Next to this point, he trains very meticulously with his team and is hungry for success.
5. How does the ZBRA facility stack up to the training facilities you've seen in Europe?
I have not yet seen anything comparable to the entire area with the boarding school, the two courts inside, the locker room with the medical room and the fitness and the small stadium. Bonus is also the view of the landscape with the mountains.
6. What was your favorite aspect of your time with the club?
The people who work for the club. Whether with the professionals or in the academy, everyone was so nice to me, I won't forget them.
7. What kind of possibilities are now available with FC Augsburg and Real Salt Lake's new connection?
I think it takes time. The partnership is only fresh and RSL must first cope with the new constellation. Then the mentality, the league mode and the transfer regulations is different in Germany and the USA. There are many possibilities in my opinion, whether it is simply an exchange between the clubs about training opportunities, scouting, player transfers, training camps, etc. It is important that every association continues to pursue its philosophy and values and is also open to new ideas.
