Joshua Kimmich praised Julian Nagelsmann, stating that he is easily among his top three coaches, just ahead of Nagelsmann’s expected sacking by the Bundesliga club
Despite the club’s recent description of Nagelsmann as a “long-term project”, there have been reports that he will be removed from his post.
Bayern Munich were reportedly set to announce Julian Nagelsmann’s dismissal on Friday and appoint Thomas Tuchel as his replacement. The decision had apparently been made and communicated internally, with Kimmich stating his high regard for Nagelsmann just ahead of the expected announcement.
Many of Bayern’s players, including Kimmich, were away on international duty when the news broke. Kimmich appeared in Germany’s pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of their friendly against Peru.
“It’s generally understandable that it’s a hot topic, but there was no confirmation from the club, so I ask for your understanding that I won’t say much more about it,” he said.
“Of course, such talk concerns you [as a Bayern player]. It’s about the coaching position in your own club, he’s the coach you work with every day.
“But that shouldn’t play a role in [Saturday]’s game or in training here.”
He added: “Julian Nagelsmann is an outstanding coach.
“I’ve had a lot of top coaches now. but I’d say he’s easily in the top three of my previous coaches. But I can’t say anything about the current state of affairs.”
Kimmich is concerned with the talk of Nagelsmann’s dismissal
Bayern Munich’s recent form has reportedly disappointed the club’s leadership, with the team dropping 12 points in 10 Bundesliga games since the start of the year.
They have fallen one point behind their rivals Borussia Dortmund ahead of their upcoming fixture, Der Klassiker, on April 1. It is believed that Bayern may have been prompted to act due to Thomas Tuchel’s availability.
Tuchel, the former coach of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Dortmund, has been without a job since September. But he has been linked to Tottenham and PSG, where Christophe Galtier’s future is uncertain after their elimination from the Champions League.
“We were very, very surprised by the headlines last night. but I don’t think Bayern Munich has commented on that yet,” Flick said.
“Out of respect for Julian and Bayern, I won’t say anything on the subject during the press conference. That says it all.”
He added: “It’s not going to impact everyone. Still, it’s my job to talk to all the players – I’ve already done that. Now we have to wait and see what really comes out in the end.”
