Bayern Munich: Romano on why Julian Nagelsmann was brutally axed

Despite challenging for the Bundesliga title and boasting by far the greatest goal difference, Julian Nagelsmann has been brutally axed from the Bayern Munich hotseat.

At the time of Nagelsmann’s release from the club, Bayern sit in second, having dropped points via seven draws and 3 losses in 25 games.

For comparison, under the guidance of Hansi Flick, the Bavarian giants ended last season as runaway champions, despite dropping points on ten occasions in the form of five draws and five losses from 34 games.

Whilst Nagelmann’s record in Munich is by no means perfect, the news of his sacking comes as a shock - especially when you consider the world-record price-tag of €25million that Bayern splashed in order to prise the young German boss from RB Leipzig.

What’s the word?

35-year-old Nagelsmann’s sudden departure from Bayern has sent shockwaves through the world footballing landscape.

And with many wondering why the Bavarian outfit have ditched a promising manager that they paid so much for, elite-level journalist Fabrizio Romano is once again on the scene to answer our collective concerns.

Taking to his personal Twitter page, Romano relayed comments from Bayern director Hasan Salihamidžić on why the German super-club decided to pull the trigger.

Romano stated:

“Bayern director Salihamidzić explains why they fired Nagelsmann”

As part of the same tweet, the Italian transfer guru then relayed:

“After thorough analysis of the sporting development of our team, especially since January and with the experience of the second half of the previous season, we have now decided together to release Julian”.

As part of further comments made by Bayern’s Bosnian director, Romano published:

“Salihamidžić: ‘This was most difficult decision of my time as director. I have had open, trusting, friendly relationship with Julian’

‘I really wish Nagelsmann all the best, I regret the separation from Julian’.”

Brutal Bavarians

Reading into this rare Bayern drama, there are a number of points to consider - both for and against the decision that has been made.

Since the start of this season, Bayern have been a somewhat experimental side under the guidance of Nagelsmann.

Tactically, the side have been consistently undergoing a play-style that fundamentally relies on using minimal width, rather than spreading play out wide.

The pressures of the Bundesliga will certainly have pushed this, with the league known for its nous in progressing the ball forwards through a greater emphasis on vertical methods in comparison to other top leagues.

As such, Bayern have at times been more predictable in the build-up and rather brittle at the back in comparison to previous seasons.

Despite their position in the table, they have not displayed the dominance that we have grown so used to in recent years and face a rare battle to defend their Bundesliga crown, with an inform Borussia Dortmund side sitting pretty at the top of the table proceedings.

That said, Bayern are the league’s top scorers, having bagged 72 goals, and also boast the best defence having conceded just 27 goals, despite their occasional frailties that have been on display this season.

The Final Say

Ultimately the decision feels cruel.

Though, Bayern do have their reasons on letting go of a manager who won 60 out of his 84 games in charge.

The last five games in the Bundesliga have seen the side pick up two losses, conceding a shocking total of nine goals in that span.

This, along with reports suggesting that there is a lack of player development within the squad, as well as the ill-timing of Nagelsmann’s ski-holiday, has seen the German’s dream job crumble rather cruely.

Bayern demand an element of perfection and, having chosen former Chelsea boss and Champions League winner Thomas Tuchel as Nagelsmann’s successor, clearly believe the 49-year-old can deliver.