Julian Nagelsmann explains ‘difficult choice’ as Bayern job is confirmed

Bayern Munich have confirmed the appointment of Julian Nagelsmann as their new manager from the start of the 2021/22 season.

The 33-year-old leaves RB Leipzig after two seasons in charge and will succeed Hansi Flick at the Allianz Arena. Nagelsmann will take up the Bayern reigns from July 1. It is understood Bayern have paid a  “world-record” £26m compensation fee to land him. He has signed a five-year deal through to summer 2026.

The highly-rated German coach was Daniel Levy’s top target to replace Jose Mourinho, according to reports. Mourinho was relieved of his duties last Monday morning.

With less than a week to go before the Carabao Cup final Ryan Mason was handed the reins for the remainder of the campaign. Levy explained the decision to sack Mourinho in a statement.

However, Spurs will have to go back to the drawing board after Nagelsmann’s appointment at Bayern was confirmed.

Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff praised the efforts of Nagelsmann after his switch to their rivals.

“Julian has taken a fantastic path in Leipzig and developed the club very successfully. He has not only improved individual players but also taken the team as a collective to the next level.

Nagelsmann will succeed Flick, who will in turn replace Joachim Low as the coach of Germany.

Explaining his decision, Nagelsmann admitted that leaving Leipzig was not one he has taken lightly.

“I will leave here with a heavy heart,” Nagelsmann said. “I’ve been able to coach a very special team here at a club with huge opportunities and the best possible conditions to work in.

“Everybody here, including the staff who work alongside the team, have ensured that we have written plenty of stories for the club’s history books. We are continuing to do that now and I’m very proud of that.

“Our run to the Champions League semi-finals was definitely the highlight of our time together. It was a moment that I’ll never forget.

“We’re currently enjoying the best Bundesliga campaign in the club’s history too. We want to make sure it ends up our best finish and then also lift a major trophy for the first time as well.

“It’s too early to say my goodbyes and speak about my memories because I’m not done here yet in Leipzig. My mission may end here in the summer, but I will give my absolute all until then. We’ve grown into a real tight-knit bunch that finally wants to win a title.”


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Nagelsmann has brilliant record

Nagelsmann has a 58% win percentage with Leipzig during his two years at the club. However, he was forced to offload his top attacker Timo Werner last term. Meanwhile, highly-rated centre-back Dayot Upamecano is also on his way to Bayern this summer.

Julian Nagelsmann RB Leipzig coach

Confirming his appointment, Bayern said on their official website: “FC Bayern have appointed Julian Nagelsmann as their new head coach.

“The Bavarian-born 33-year-old will move to Munich from RB Leipzig on 1 July 2021 ahead of the new season, signing a five-year-contract with the German record champions until 30 June 2026.

“This comes after FC Bayern agreed to current head coach Hansi Flick’s request to have his contract terminated on 30 June 2021, two years earlier than its original expiry date.”

As for Tottenham, it leaves Daniel Levy with a huge decision to make come the end of the season.

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers is also on the club’s radar, but it would appear he is keen to stay put.

Former Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has now emerged as the new favourite. However, that deal is unlikely to go down well with Spurs fans again – especially after ex-Blues boss Mourinho’s ill-fated stint in north London.