Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich made a surprising decision to fire their head coach Julian Nagelsmann on Friday. The German club moved quickly to hire his replacement, bringing in former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.
According to Bayern’s official announcement, Tuchel agreed to a deal that runs until the summer of 2025.
Nagelsmann led Bayern to a clean sweep in UEFA Champions League this season, winning all eight games in the competition. However, the club’s form in the domestic league was less satisfactory, with a recent 2-1 loss to Bayer Leverkusen causing them to relinquish the top of the Bundesliga table to their biggest rival Borussia Dortmund.
Reportedly, Bayern’s brass felt an urgency to make a change while they still have a chance to turn things around. The Bavarian powerhouse won 10 consecutive domestic titles leading to this season.
“Personally and on behalf of FC Bayern, I would like to thank Julian and his coaching team and wish everyone the best of luck for the future,” said CEO Oliver Kahn.
“I am very grateful to Julian for what he has done for FC Bayern and I wish him all the best,” sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic added.
According to sources close to the club, Kahn and Salihamidzic initially intended to let Nagelsmann see out the season and bring Tuchel in the summer. However, they were told that the 49-year-old manager wouldn’t wait for Bayern and would take an offer from another club if the opportunity presented itself.
Tuchel last coached in Germany with Borussia, spending two seasons with the club and winning the DFB-Pokal before departing at the end of the 2016-17 season. He then coached Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, winning two Ligue 1 titles with PSG and UEFA Champions League trophy with the London club.
Nagelsmann joined Bayern Munich in the summer of 2021 after successful spells with Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig. He helped the club continue its title streak in 2021-22 but saw early exits in UCL and the domestic cup.
