Nagelsmann counters Eberl! „Didn’t feel any sting“

Julian Nagelsmann has famously decided against a return to FC Bayern and in favour of an extension with the DFB. According to Max Eberl, the 36-year-old was too frustrated following his dismissal in March 2023. Nagelsmann has now denied this.

Munich’s sporting director had recently stated that the sting was too deep for Nagelsmann and that the separation was too fresh for a comeback at the German record champions.

Now Nagelsmann himself has commented on his decision. However, the national coach contradicted Max Eberl’s account: „It’s normal for someone who is sacked to want a different approach. There’s no sting in the tail, the decision was in favour of the DFB. I felt my body yesterday – I didn’t feel any sting,“ he explained on Magenta TV.

Nagelsmann also made it clear that dismissals are a completely normal part of the football business: „When I started becoming a professional coach, I realised that I would also be sacked at times. You have to take that into account“.

Bayern bosses were not convinced by Nagelsmann’s comeback

According to reports, Nagelsmann was Eberl’s first option after the cancellation of Xabi Alonso. The problem: there was resistance within FCB. According to rumours, supervisory board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in particular vetoed the move.

Nagelsmann himself is said to have been quite open, but backed out when he realised that he did not have the support of all those responsible at FCB.

Instead, the 36-year-old opted to extend his contract with the DFB until the 2026 World Cup.

According to his own statements, Rudi Völler played a key role in this decision: „He is an important advocate for me, has also fought for me, has often called me, of course also a man with extreme experience, who is also there like a father figure for the entire coaching team.“