Bayern Munich chiefs have explained their decision to part company with Julian Nagelsmann and replace him with Thomas Tuchel.
Nagelsmann, who only joined the club on a long-term contract at the start of last season, was surprisingly succeeded by ex-Chelsea boss Tuchel on Friday.
Bayern will continue to pay the 35-year-old until he finds a new job – 90min understands that he has admirers at Tottenham, who are likely to sack Antonio Conte in the near future.
At a press conference on Saturday, Bayern board members Oliver Kahn and Hasan Salihamidzic explained why they decided to make a change of manager.
CEO Kahn said: “The past few days have been difficult for all of us. These weren’t easy days. There was a night or two when I didn’t sleep well. Those are the no fun parts of the job. But it’s part of it. Behind a coach there’s also a person.
“We worked together with Julian Nagelsmann for two years. Julian is an excellent coach, we always got along well on a personal level and worked well together.
“The fluctuations in performance started last season – Villarreal and the DFB-Pokal game in Gladbach. This team is able to set highlights – but also incomprehensible weaknesses. We strengthened the squad again before the start of the season.
“We have one of the best squads in Europe. But the continuity hasn’t really gotten any better. We cannot be satisfied with the performance and the results this year. If you look at everything, we’ve only won 5 out of 10 games in the Bundesliga – that’s not our ambition.
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“At some point we had to make a decision. The goals at FC Bayern are always the highest. We could have taken the easy route and let it continue and hope that we can finally bring consistency.
“Against PSG, the team showed what they can. We considered our goals for this season and next to be in danger. Therefore we have come to the decision to release Julian. That was a very well thought out decision. It was a process and definitely not an emotional reaction.
“As part of the whole process, it was a priority to speak to Julian first and let him know about our decision. We did that yesterday. It was a very open conversation. Of course there are nicer things in life. Julian was very open.
“We explained the situation to him, what we saw and he took it in and understood it. We have similar thoughts in many areas. The bottom line is that it was how we envisioned it after working together openly and honestly for almost two years.”
Salihamidzic added: “It wasn’t an easy decision. We had a very good working relationship with Julian. I know it’s not a popular decision either. We thought it through and we think we made the best decision for FC Bayern.
“In March of last year we already had these inconsistent performances, then again in September and most recently we only won 5 out of 10 Bundesliga games. We looked at it again phase by phase.
“We saw that it was no longer a phase, but that the constellation between the team and the coach was no longer the right one. When the performance curve is pointing downwards, you have to react. It wasn’t an easy decision.
“We saw that it was no longer a phase, but that the constellation between the team and the coach was no longer the right one. When the performance curve is pointing downwards, you have to react. It wasn’t an easy decision.
“We believed in Julian until 11 p.m. on Sunday. We supported each other, discussed a lot about training and games. We sat down on Monday and analysed everything. Football is honest if you look at the data. When you see that power curve going down, you’ve to react.
“We believed, in between we hoped, but when you’re no longer convinced, you have to react. Luckily there was such a top option on the market. Things went very quickly.”
Tuchel was then welcomed to the stage, with Kahn and Salihamidzic discussing his appointment.
Firstly, Tuchel said: “I’m convinced that it is an honor and a distinction to be contacted by FC Bayern. When you sign the contract, it’s a great honor. My special thanks for the trust go to Oliver Kahn, Hasan Salihamidzic, Herbert Hainer and Uli Hoeness.
“Even when you work abroad for a while, you become even more aware of the importance of FC Bayern. It’s one of the biggest clubs in Europe and the world.
“The DNA of FC Bayern is all about winning, also about the way you play football. This squad is one of the most talented and best squads in Europe. I’m looking forward to working with this squad. You can compete for every title with this squad.
“That’s a big responsibility too. In the end there’s also a personal reason for me to work here close to my family and in the state where I was born. There are many reasons that made me accept quickly.
“The timing was surprising, I didn’t expect it and there was no contact beforehand. I assumed that I would continue my career abroad. The first interview was on Tuesday evening. The size of the challenge was the deciding factor that I wanted to do it.
“I’ve been in very close contact with Bayern before. But back then I couldn’t wait. It would never be appropriate to pressure anyone. Things went very quickly this time, it’s a top solution for me.
Salihamidzic then said: “On Tuesday, I called Thomas. We are all professionals. We’ve come to realise that we need a coach like him who has a lot of experience in Germany and abroad. We met on Tuesday evening and had a very good conversation.
“He was very motivated from the first second, we talked a lot. In the days that followed, Marco Neppe and I negotiated with his agents to have such a decision in two days. We spoke a few years ago, but it didn’t work out then.
“We were convinced that we wanted to bring Thomas to Sabener Strasse. As soon as he accepted, we spoke directly to Julian that we wanted a personal meeting with him. Now we have a new coach in Thomas Tuchel, welcome.”
Kahn added: “There’s no need to discuss Thomas’ qualities, they are impressive. His career shows that. Leading a squad like PSG is not easy. He led them to the CL final. He was also very successful at Chelsea from day one. He has an impressive CV.
“There’s always a personal development behind that. That’s why we’re very happy that Thomas Tuchel is now our coach.”