Former Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has claimed that Julian Nagelsmann’s decision to go on a skiing holiday after a Bundesliga defeat played a role in his dismissal.
Nagelsmann has found himself on the lookout for a new job after being sacked by Bayern last month despite their impressive Champions League form. The reigning Bundesliga champions won all six group games before eliminating Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.
However, Bayern had slipped from top spot in the division following a defeat at Bayer Leverkusen earlier this month. The Bavarian giants returned to top spot this weekend as Thomas Tuchel’s first match in charge brought a 4-2 win over Borussia Dortmund, which saw them leapfrog their title rivals.
Nagelsmann has emerged as a candidate to be the future Tottenham boss after the club parted company with Antonio Conte – and he has already spoken about his admiration for English football. However, he is not likely to return to management this season.
Earlier this week, it emerged that Nagelsmann was on the end of a furious tirade from Sadio Mane in front of the Bayern dressing room. Mane joined Bayern Munich in a £35.1million agreement from Liverpool last summer but has struggled with fitness issues this term.
As reported by Bild, the Senegalese forward was left infuriated by only being given 13 minutes minutes of game-time at the end of the side’s Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain last month.
Have Your Say! Where will Nagelsmann be coaching next season? Tell us what you think here.
Now, it has emerged that a skiing holiday from Nagelsmann may have played a part in his exit. Hoeness said, telling Kicker : "Nagelsmann should not have gone on a skiing holiday after the defeat in Leverkusen. If he had stayed in Munich, they would have met him and spoken to him Monday or Tuesday. And who knows what would have happened then?"
Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn has also expressed his belief that Nagelsmann’s lack of availability to speak to the club over his position due to being away skiing made it a difficult week for the club. However, Bayern insist that the boss was aware of their decision prior to it being leaked to the media.
Tuchel has now taken the Bayern hotseat and is aiming to steer the club towards a treble this campaign. The German giants are facing Manchester City in the quarter finals of the Champions League.