Bayern Munich’s coach, Julian Nagelsmann, revealed on Friday that he has received as many as 450 death threats following his team’s exit from the Champions League at the hands of Villarreal in the quarterfinals. The disclosure came during a public update that underscored how the high-pressure world of elite football can spill over into personal danger for managers who carry the weight of big expectations. The intensity of the online abuse has been a topic of urgent concern among players, staff, and club officials as they assess the broader impact of social media on safety and mental health in top-tier sport. (Source: Reuters)
Nagelsmann explained that the harassing messages appeared on social networks after losses, and that some of the threats were even aimed at his mother, described as a figure who would be attacked “whether we win or lose.” He described the responses as “pretty wild” during a press conference ahead of the Bundesliga’s 30th matchweek. The manager spoke with a calm but firm tone, signaling that while such communications can be reported to authorities, they rarely lead to an end to the problem. He emphasized a pragmatic perspective: people will write what they want, but the sheer persistence of the abuse remains perplexing and troubling in the modern era of football media. (Source: Associated Press)
With the focus shifting back to the pitch, Nagelsmann outlined that Bayern would shift their attention to domestic duties while aiming to minimize lingering distractions. The team’s immediate aim is to steer clear of European qualifiers in upcoming fixtures, with the next test a visit to Arminia Bielefeld. Bayern holds a substantial nine-point cushion atop the Bundesliga standings, ahead of second-placed Borussia Dortmund, a club that represents a frequent rival and a potential pivot point in the title race. The coach stated a clear objective: secure victories in the two remaining league matches to clinch the title and finish the campaign on a strong note for the club and its supporters. (Source: ESPN)