MUNICH (GERMANY), 25 March. (dpa/EP) –
The president of the board of directors of Bayern Munich, Oliver Kahn, has justified the dismissal of the coach Julian Nagelsmann before officially presenting his successor, Thomas Tuchel, and has indicated that the decision “was not a reaction of panic”.
“It is our duty and our task to guarantee sporting success,” said the manager at a press conference held this Saturday at the headquarters of the Bundesliga champion in Munich. Kahn explained that the change of coach in the middle of the decisive phase of the season was not “a panic reaction”.
In addition, he added that the decision to fire Nagelsmann announced on Friday was “well considered” and not a move based on emotion. “I know it’s not a popular decision,” added the club’s sporting director, Hasan Salihamidzic.
He also indicated that management felt compelled to act due to the constant fluctuations in performance, because “the yield curve is constantly going down.” Salihamidzic pointed out that the chemistry between the coach and the team no longer existed.
“We have one of the best squads in Europe. And yet the continuity of the team’s performance has not really improved. We cannot be satisfied with the results of the second half of the season and with the performances we have often shown. The last few days have been difficult for all of us. There were also one or two nights where I didn’t sleep well,” Kahn said.
The exporter for Bayern and the German soccer team clarified that, however, Nagelsmann, 35, continues to be “an excellent, a very good coach.”
Thomas Tuchel, 49, will be his successor. The coach, whose last position was in charge of the Chelsea squad, with whom he won the 2021 Champions League, signed a contract with Bayern until June 30, 2025. Tuchel will debut next Saturday against his former club and current Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund.