Nagelsmann to join Bayern
RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann has been announced as the new Bayern Munich manager on a five-year deal.
The deal comes as no surprise, with Bayern replacing Hansi Flick, who is set to join Germany as their coach after the Euros in the summer.
The league leaders are thought to be paying a world record compensation fee of £20 million for the German coach.
Julian Nagelsmann to join FC Bayern as head coach. Hansi Flick’s contract will be terminated upon request. pic.twitter.com/tJBpXSiozu
— 🏆🏆🏆FC Bayern English🏆🏆🏆 (@FCBayernEN) April 27, 2021
Why Nagelsmann?
The 33-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest young managers in the game, leading Leipzig to a Champions League semi-final last season and second in the Bundesliga this season.
Nagelsmann grew up as a Bayern fan and was brought up in Landsberg, a small town close to Munich.
He is known as an astute tactician and a manager who improves players, as well as forging close bonds with them.
Nagelsmann has proven his worth at Hoffenheim, where he saved them from relegation and led them to a top-four place.
Bayern exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage to PSG but they lead Leipzig by seven points in the Bundesliga with three games to go and are set to win the title for the ninth consecutive season.
What it means
The move is only likely to increase Bayern’s control of the German league, with their closest challengers losing their manager as well as one of their key defenders in Dayot Upamecano.
He has yet to win to a trophy in his short managerial career, but he was not expected to do so. At Bayern, he will be under great pressure to deliver in all competitions, especially the Champions League.
He will take over from Flick, who has won six trophies, including the treble last season. Flick has reportedly fallen out with sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic over a lack of new signings and a failure to replenish the squad.
Quotes
“I will leave RB Leipzig with a heavy heart,” said Nagelsmann. “It is something very special for me to take on the position of Bayern coach.
“It’s still too early to say goodbye and otherwise talk about memories, because I’m not finished here in Leipzig.
“My mission will end in the summer, but until then it will continue at full throttle. We have grown into a sworn bunch that finally want a title.
“I have never made a secret of the fact I am excited about the coaching position at Bayern Munich and that I would be happy to take on this job if this unique opportunity should arise.”
Featured image: Julian Nagelsmann, head coach of RB Leipzig looks on prior to the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Bayern Munich at Red Bull Arena. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
