Bayern Munich is parting ways with coach Julian Nagelsmann. While there are generally reasons for this, the circumstances and the time of the dismissal appear surprising at first – but at least a little more understandable in view of the situation of the successor. The bosses felt they had no other choice. A comment.
Going skiing is not a good idea at FC Bayern this season: Captain Manuel Neuer broke his leg on a ski tour in December; Julian Nagelsmann’s exit as a trainer was decided in Munich while he was on the slopes in the Zillertal. Actually, Nagelsmann wanted to recover for the final sprint of the season, he was reportedly just as surprised by his dismissal as soccer Germany. The fact that he found out about it through the media is bad form on the part of the bosses.
While there are reasons for the separation, the circumstances and timing seem extremely surprising, at least at first glance. Although FC Bayern gambled away the lead in the Bundesliga on Sunday, there are still title chances in all three competitions two and a half months before the end of the season. In an impressive manner, Nagelsmann had just coached his team to triumph over the star squad from Paris Saint-Germain.
Nagelsmann deserved the chance to continue the run in the Champions League, which has already lasted eight wins against some top-class competition, and possibly to crown it with the title. In addition, he could have regained the lead in the Bundesliga on the coming matchday in a direct duel with Borussia Dortmund. It is unfair that he is denied these chances, but there are several reasons.
Bayern: What Nagelsmann failed at Bayern
Nagelsmann did not form a winning machine during his almost two years in office, as Jupp Heynckes, Pep Guardiola and at times Hansi Flick had managed. The number of points after 25 match days is worse than it has been since the last non-championship season in 2011/12. There was no consistency under Nagelsmann, especially not in the past few weeks. Neither with a view to the results, nor to the services.
After the 2-1 defeat at Bayer 04 Leverkusen on Sunday, sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic opened a mentality debate. The tenor: The team would only give everything in the big games, but would take it easy in everyday business in the Bundesliga. The criticism was not only aimed at the players. But also against the coach, who apparently cannot motivate them accordingly.
Nagelsmann was viewed critically within the team, especially his penchant for public self-portrayal and a lack of self-criticism. During his first season, Robert Lewandowski was considered a big critic, in which there was dissonance with captain Manuel Neuer because of the dismissal of goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic. Meanwhile, his relationship with shadow captain Joshua Kimmich was close, possibly too close.
Most recently, a player or supervisor gave top-secret match plans to the sports picture further – in hindsight and possibly out of cold calculation given the current developments.
FC Bayern: Hainer defended Nagelsmann a few days ago
For a long time it seemed as if the bosses would support Nagelsmann, who was committed for over 20 million euros in 2021, despite everything. Last summer they reinforced the squad according to the coach’s ideas, with Nagelsmann campaigning in particular for the commitment of Matthijs de Ligt, who cost 67 million euros. His wishes were fulfilled.
In January, the bosses waved through the dismissal of Tapalovic, who had been a guarantee of success for years, and installed Nagelsmann’s confidant from TSG Hoffenheim, Michael Computer, as his successor. A huge vote of confidence.
Earlier this week, President Herbert Hainer assured in the table football: “We want to build something with him. You can see a clear improvement in these one and a half years. Julian is doing very well. The coaching discussion in between came from outside, we didn’t start it off the fence.”
FC Bayern: Thomas Tuchel’s role in the dismissal
The fact that Nagelsmann is being dismissed in spite of everything is due to Thomas Tuchel. With the doubts about Nagelsmann in the back of their minds, the bosses didn’t want to miss another chance 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 to extend the contract with Jupp Heynckes. When he finally refused to sign, Tuchel was already in the word at PSG. Despite desperate advances from the Munich bosses, Tuchel did not change his plans – and FC Bayern had to be content with Niko Kovac.
Both at PSG and his subsequent club FC Chelsea, Tuchel proved that he can lead teams with great characters and play football well – it is also remarkable how both clubs have gone downhill since his departure and how bosses and fans sometimes wish him back .
Most recently, Tuchel was in close contact with Tottenham Hotspur representatives. He might have been off the market by the time Nagelsmann had made the transition in an orderly manner in the summer – so the FC Bayern bosses acted immediately. They felt they had no other choice.
