Matthaus: 'Bayern damaged its reputation by firing Nagelsmann'

"From Nagelsmann's point of view, I feel worse. He has been praised a lot by Uli Hoeness, Herbert Hainer, Hasan Salihamidzic and Oliver Kahn in recent weeks, and then kicked out by them. I think the management. Bayern showed unprecedented support for Nagelsmann before sacking him," Matthaus commented on Sky TV.

The 62-year-old legend admitted he was surprised by the decision of the old club, because not long ago, Bayern still insisted Nagelsmann was their long-term project. The German coach learned of the news of his dismissal through the media while on vacation with his girlfriend in Austria on March 23. On March 24, Munich time, the 36-year-old coach went to the club's headquarters to receive the decision to quit his job and pack up his personal belongings for an hour and then leave.

In the summer of 2021, Bayern once paid a record $ 33 million in compensation to bring Nagelsmann back from RB Leipzig. Disagreement with some veterans in the dressing room is said to be the main reason why Nagelsmann lost his seat, although the Bayern side confirmed that he fired this coach for professional reasons.

"The way the management has behaved in this incident damages the reputation of Bayern. The prestige, which distinguishes this club from other teams, is no longer displayed," Matthaus said.

But despite not wanting Nagelsmann to leave, Matthaus considers Bayern's quick appointment of Thomas Tuchel to replace him as the correct decision, because the 49-year-old coach could accept to lead another club in the next few weeks.

Nagelsmann's former partner at Hoffenheim club Ernst Tanner also criticized Bayern for "behaving unprofessionally". He told Sport1: "It is not appropriate for the Bayern leadership to rely on the close loss of Leverkusen as an excuse to sack the coach."

After leaving Bayern, Nagelsmann was immediately interested in a number of big clubs. Tottenham and Real Madrid are arguably the most zealous teams. According to Tanner, the Premier League will be the most reasonable destination for the old partner.

"Julian need not worry too much. The coach market is always busy and German coaches are always appreciated abroad. Despite being young, he has experienced everything in Germany. I don't know Julian is attracted by that. What's next in his career, but the English football environment seems to suit him," Tanner said.