The Nagelsmann-Aus at Bayern is understandable

Julian Nagelsmann

IMAGO/Ulrich Wagner

Bayern Munich dismisses coach Julian Nagelsmann. And Thomas Tuchel will most likely be the successor. Only the signature is missing. This decision by the Bayern bosses is understandable. What is surprising is the timing. Because the problems with the 35-year-old have been going on for over a year.

In terms of sport, there has been no development since the start of the second half of the season in 2022. The winning streak in the fall is now considered a blip. Nevertheless, those responsible repeatedly said that they wanted to shape an era with him and that he was by no means up for debate. So you could have acted earlier or you could have gone through the season with him. Now, however, that diplomatic view has changed.

But not only this undesirable development and the recent loss of the championship lead last weekend after the defeat in Leverkusen (1: 2) are responsible for this decision, it is also the events far away from the pitch that contributed to this step. Nagelsmann had lost the players bit by bit and thus the dressing room. Joshua Kimmich alone was considered a loyal follower by the German national team.

Criticism came not only from Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski was the first harsh critic. More followed. In addition, Nagelsmann has made few friends in the team with his public appearances. Among other things, his will to be the star of this club and the external image did not really please, was rated as not serious – as did his relationship with a BILD journalist. Which did not contribute to a relationship of trust. The dismissal of Toni Tapalovic also caused glaring surprise.

FC Bayern is a different club than – with all due respect – TSG Hoffenheim or RB Leipzig. Different laws apply there. The Munich environment was new for Nagelsmann and certainly not easy for such a young coach. This requires experience. Nagelsmann can still catch up. And he wouldn’t be the first coach to return to Bayern one day.

Tuchel was already an issue in Munich

Now Tuchel will take over. The coach, who led Chelsea to the Champions League title in 2021, was already a topic on Säbener Straße in 2018. At that time, however, the FCB bosses were too slow, Tuchel opted for Paris St. Germain.

Perhaps history should not repeat itself, because according to kicker information, Tuchel was in very close contact with Tottenham Hotspur. He could have imagined the project in London. Now, however, Bayern quickly became active. He should lead Munich to three titles in the decisive phase. The chance is there.