Bayern Munich have officially confirmed Thomas Tuchel as their new manager.
The former Chelsea boss has succeeded Julian Nagelsmann, who was sacked following Bayern’s 2-1 defeat at Bayer Leverkusen last weekend, at the Allianz Arena.
It was a harsh decision to axe the 35-year-old, as Bayern are still going strong in the Champions League.
It is Tuchel’s first job in management since he was dismissed by Chelsea in September.
The Champions League winner, who has previously coached the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain, is one of the most admired managers in Europe after winning silverware in three different countries.
“When we signed Julian Nagelsmann for FC Bayern in the summer of 2021, we were convinced we would work with him on a long-term basis – and that was the goal of all of us right up to the end,” said Bayern’s CEO Oliver Khan on Friday evening.
“Julian shares our aspiration to play successful and attractive football.
But now we have come to the conclusion that the quality in our squad – despite the Bundesliga title last year – has come to the fore less and less often.
“Personally and on behalf of FC Bayern, I would like to thank Julian and his coaching team, and wish everyone the best of luck for the future.”
I am very grateful to Julian for what he has done for FC Bayern and I wish him all the best.”
Tuchel’s final game in charge of Dortmund was their 2-1 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt in the DFB-Pokal final, as he was sacked in the summer of 2017 following rows with the club’s hierarchy.
Tuchel won six trophies in Paris – including two Ligue 1 titles – but his failure to win the Champions League saw him dismissed in December 2020.
He ended up finishing the 2020/21 campaign as a Champions League winner after being picked up by Chelsea.
Despite a third successive dismissal, Tuchel’s stock remained high and it was only a matter of time before a club like Bayern came calling.
He also did well at Bayern by winning the Bundesliga title last season.
Although Bayern find themselves one point behind Dortmund in the Bundesliga title race, Nagelsmann was not expected to be given the boot due to their success in Europe.
Despite being pitted against Barcelona and PSG, Bayern are still in the Champions League.
Nagelsmann leaves Bayern with his reputation intact.
It will only be a matter of time before a Premier League club is linked with him.
Bayern’s Joao Cancelo, who arrived on loan from Man City in January, reacted to news of Tuchel’s imminent arrival on Thursday night.
“I know I won’t find Nagelsmann when I return to Munich.
He wanted me at Bayern, I’d like to thank him.
As for Tuchel, he made me lose a Champions League final, so I hope he will win it for me this year!”
Tuchel’s first game in charge will be Bayern’s Bundesliga title clash against Dortmund at the Allianz Arena on Saturday, April 1.
