We take a look at the chronology of the unexpected change of coach at Bayern with the abrupt departure of what was the most expensive coach in the world.
Skiing is not a good idea at Bayern Munich this season: captain Manuel Neuer broke his leg in December and Julian Nagelsmann’s departure as manager was decided in Munich while he was on the slopes of the Zillertal. Actually, Nagelsmann wanted to get some air for the final sprint of the season and, like the entire football world, was surprised by his dismissal. That he found out through the media leaves a very bad impression with his bosses.
Why Bayern Munich fires Julian Nagelsmann as coach and signs Thomas Tuchel
While there are reasons for the split, the circumstances and timing seem extremely surprising, at least on the surface. Although Bayern lost their lead in the Bundesliga on Sunday, there are still title options in all three leagues two and a half months before the end of the season. Impressively, Nagelsmann had just coached his team to knock out Paris Saint-Germain.
Nagelsmann has an impressive winning streak in the Champions League and had options to fight for the title. In addition, they could have regained the lead in the Bundesliga in a direct duel with Borussia Dortmund the next day, but there are several reasons for this.
Nagelsmann did not build a winning machine during his nearly two years at the helm, as Jupp Heynckes, Pep Guardiola and sometimes Hansi Flick had done.. The number of points lost after 25 games is the worst since 2012, the last time they failed to win the Bundesliga. There was no consistency under Nagelsmann, especially in recent weeks. Neither for the results nor for the sensations.
After the 2-1 defeat against Bayer 04 Leverkusen on Sunday, sports director Hasan salihamidzic opened a mentality debate. The plot: The team only gives its all in big games, but would take it easy in everyday affairs in the Bundesliga. The criticism was not only aimed at the players. But also against the coach, who apparently cannot motivate them.
Nagelsmann was criticized within the club, particularly for his fondness for his public self-portrait and lack of self-criticism. During his first season, Robert Lewandowski was a great critic, there were also differences of opinion with captain Manuel Neuer about the dismissal of goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic. Meanwhile, his relationship with Shadow Captain Joshua Kimmich was close, possibly too close.
More recently, a player or coach leaked the tactics of a match to “SportBild” and a fire broke out in the Bayern area. For a long time it seemed that the board would support Nagelsmann, for which they paid more than 20 million euros in 2021, Nevertheless. Last summer they strengthened the selection according to the coach’s idea, with Nagelsmann campaigning in particular for the arrival of Matthijs de Ligt, who cost 67 million euros. His wishes were fulfilled.
In January, The directors approved Tapalovic’s resignationwho had been a guarantee of success for years and signed his former coach at TSG Hoffenheim, Michael Computer, as his successor. A huge vote of confidence.
Earlier this week, chairman Herbert Hainer said about “Kicker”: “We want to build something with him. Clear progress can be seen in this year and a half. Julian is doing very well. The coaching conversation came from outside”.
The fact of that Nagelsmann is fired despite everything is thanks to Thomas Tuchel. With doubts about Nagelsmann in mind, the management did not want to miss another opportunity to sign the successful coach.
Tuchel was already considered a candidate in 2018: CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Salihamidzic even met him in Munich at the time, but President Uli Hoeneß did everything possible to extend the contract with Jupp Heynckes. When he finally refused to sign, Tuchel was already on the floor at PSG. Despite desperate advances from Munich officials, Tuchel did not change his plans and FC Bayern had to settle for Niko Kovac.
Both at PSG and at his later club, Chelsea, Tuchel showed that he can lead teams with a lot of character and play good football; it is also remarkable how both clubs have gone downhill since his departure and how the managers and fans almost always wish he would return.
More recently, Tuchel has been in close contact with Tottenham Hotspur representatives. It may have been off the market then Nagelsmann could have left in an orderly fashion over the summer, so the Bayern managers now acted as they felt they had no other choice.
Source: Goal
Gregory Robert is a sports aficionado and a writer for “Social Bites”. He provides in-depth coverage of the latest sporting events and trends, offering a unique and knowledgeable perspective on the world of sports.