DFB coach
Nagelsmann contradicts Eberl: No Bayern thorn
Julian Nagelsmann has decided to extend his contract as national coach. photo
© Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa
National coach or Bayern coach? Julian Nagelsmann had this choice. The DFB head coach is now talking about his decision for the national team. Hurt pride was therefore not a driving force.
“I felt my body yesterday and there was no stinger,” said the 36-year-old in an interview on Magenta TV. With this humorous statement, Nagelsmann was referring to Bayern sports director Max Eberl. He also explained Nagelsmann’s rejection of a second engagement in Munich with the experiences of the separation in March 2023. “And at some point you just realized, okay, the sting from back then is still deep. The separation is still very fresh,” said Eberl on Sky last Saturday.
Nagelsmann: “I consciously decided to join the DFB”
Nagelsmann wanted to contradict this impression in the “Best Cast” format with moderator Johannes B. Kerner. “It’s normal in most cases that the person being released wants a different style than those who are releasing them. It’s probably the same with a player if I don’t nominate him. So there’s no sting there.” said Nagelsmann.
The decision in favor of the DFB was well thought out. “I handle it the same way as I do with all player nominations, when I select the first eleven and think about who is the right player for the game, what is the right composition – then I always choose one player and not against one Players. And that’s how it is now. I made a conscious decision to join the DFB,” said the national coach. In addition to the home European Championship, the prospect of leading the national soccer team to the 2026 World Cup in America is also a great attraction.
Last week, Nagelsmann extended his contract, which was expiring in the summer, until the 2026 World Cup. The decision was preceded by weeks of discussions. Nagelsmann himself got the topic rolling with statements before the March international games in France (2:0) and against the Netherlands (2:1).
Return to FC Bayern not expressly ruled out
“I didn’t just have Bayern Munich and the DFB – there were a few other clubs there. I also have a duty to weigh everything up. I always had a good feeling at the DFB and it was always one of my favorites,” said the 36-year-old. Year-old who will be the youngest national coach to coach the DFB team at a tournament.
From a purely economic perspective, the decision should have been different, as Nagelsmann explained. “Everyone can imagine that you can earn more at the club. But that’s not my driving force. Of course, financial things are also important because I also have a responsibility, for my family, for myself, for my life. But if that If it were my main driving force, I would probably have ended up at the club sooner,” he said.
Nagelsmann expressly did not rule out a return to FC Bayern at a later date. But his happiness in life does not depend on working for certain clubs.