2nd April, 2023
Julian Nagelsmann’s representatives have denied claims from Bayern Munich chief executive Oliver Kahn that the coach was informed of his sacking before it was reported by the media.
Nagelsmann was replaced as head coach by Thomas Tuchel during the international break, with the new boss leading Bayern to a 4-2 win over Bundesliga title rivals Borussia Dortmund in his first game in charge on Saturday.
The 35-year-old was said to have learned of his imminent exit while enjoying a skiing holiday in Austria, with Bayern’s decision widely reported 24 hours before it was officially announced.
Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic denied anyone at the club leaked the news, an assertion that was repeated by Kahn on Saturday.
Speaking to Sky Germany ahead of the win over Dortmund, Kahn referred to Nagelsmann’s departure as a “disaster” but insisted the coach was “the first to know” about his sacking.
However, Nagelsmann’s management agency Sports 360 has now disputed those claims, saying Bayern did not make contact with the coach before his exit was reported.
“There has been no contact or attempt to get in contact from Bayern,” a representative from Sports 360 told Sky Germany.
“After all the rumours in the media, the management of Julian Nagelsmann contacted Hasan Salihamidzic by themselves.”
Bayern cruised into a four-goal lead within 50 minutes as they leapfrogged BVB at the Bundesliga summit on Saturday, posting a ninth successive win in home meetings with their Klassiker rivals.