The Bundesliga title holders: Bayern Munich have lured a highly-rated coach away from RB Leipzig on a five-year deal after learning that Hansi Flick is to depart. After learning of Hansi Flick’s desire to walk away from his role at the Allianz Arena when the 2020-21 campaign comes to a close. Those in Bavaria have wasted little time in getting a successor lined up. They have not had to look far for a top candidate to fill the most demanding of roles. With Nagelsmann being lured away from domestic rivals on a long-term agreement that will begin on July 1 in a deal which makes the 33-year-old the most expensive coach in history.

A New Time for Bayern Munich (For more Bundesliga news download Footylight app)

Nagelsmann has been lined up by Bayern Munich as Flick. Who continues to be heavily linked with a role as Germany national team coach when Joachim Low steps down after this summer’s Euro. Which is going to end his contract two years before it was due to expire.

He has said: “The past two years will be unforgettable for me. I really enjoyed the emotions, the victories, the titles, but also the daily work on the pitch – it was an outstanding time.

“Success can only be achieved together! A coach is nothing without his team. And I was lucky enough to meet fantastic players here in Munich and a staff and a team of coaches that did incredible things. Thank you guys.

“Special thanks also go to president Herbert Hainer. As well as to the entire board of directors around Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Oliver Kahn and Hasan Salihamidzic for giving me the opportunity to train this great team. 

“One downer remains: we weren’t able to celebrate the greatest successes during this time with the fans. I’ve missed them in every game. I wish the FC Bayern family the very best for the future. It is not an empty phrase when I say: It was a very great honour for me.”

Why did Bayern Munich want Nagelsmann?

Nagelsmann’s stock has been on the rise ever since he was handed the reins at Hoffenheim. Which started in February 2016 when just 28 years of age. That deal made him the youngest head coach in Bundesliga history. With 136 games taken in while filling a first senior role. RB Leipzig bought into obvious potential back in the summer of 2019. And handed a hot managerial prospect a contract through to 2023. That deal will not be honoured, but a productive partnership has been enjoyed across two years.

Nagelsmann, who was also being linked with the vacant post at Premier League giants like Tottenham who led Leipzig to the semi-finals of the Champions League last season. And will be eager to get his hands on a first piece of silverware after being charged with the task of keeping Bayern at the top of domestic and continental games.

Nagelsmann: Leaving and Breathing Football (For more Bundesliga news download Footylight app)

Nagelsmann himself has never hid his ambitions to join Bayern Munich one day. He hails from Landsberg, a small town close to Munich, and grew up a Bayern fan. Nagelsmann played for local rival 1860 Munich as a teenager. He even owns a house near the Bavarian capital where his young family has been living during his tenure at Leipzig.

Once it became clear that Bayern’s current manager, Hansi Flick, would want to terminate his contract at the end of the season due to ongoing tensions with the club’s hierarchy. Bayern shifted their attention to the best successor available. When Nagelsmann learned about the interest from his dream club, the decision was a no-brainer for him.

Nagelsmann: Manager at Leipzig (For more Bundesliga news download Footylight app)

He has taken over RB Leipzig back in 2019-20 season. On 21 June, 2019 he was named as the manager of RB Leipzig. Nagelsmann won his first Bundesliga match as RB Leipzig coach against FC Union Berlin 4–0. On 10 March, 2020 Nagelsmann knocked out Tottenham. Which led him to become the youngest coach ever to win a Champions League knock-out tie. Under Nagelsmann, RB Leipzig has played 90 matches so far. In these matches, they have won 53, lost 16 and managed to draw 21. Also, in these matches, they have managed to score 185 goals and conceded 96.

Time for silverware (For more Bundesliga news download Footylight app)

While his tactical understanding of the game has helped him to stand out, Nagelsmann attributes only 40% of success in football to tactics and 60% to motivation and locker room leadership. This world view might be very valuable at a club like Bayern.

Because he considers his main task to improve the performance of his players rather than being involved in transfer decisions, he might not clash with the higher-ups – unlike his predecessor Flick. Also, emphasizing man-management and relying on a proven success formula has worked very well for Bayern in recent times.

At Leipzig, Nagelsmann has often tinkered with different formations and in-game changes. But Leipzig are also a team that need more input from the side-line than Bayern. It will be interesting to see whether he is more hesitant to try out any new tactical systems with Bayern’s team.

With his arrival in Munich, Nagelsmann’s world will change. He has never been under any real pressure at his current club. Even after painful defeats, like the 5-0 loss to Manchester United last October, no-one started to question his competence.

In contrast, the work of Bayern’s coach is usually put under a microscope, as the higher-ups, as well as the local media, expect at least one or two trophies a year. Nagelsmann has not won any silverware in his senior coaching career.

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