Efforts by German champions, Bayern Munich, to lure its former manager, Julian Nagelsmann, back to the club after his unceremonious sack, has suffered a major setback after he turned down the club’s offer to replace Thomas Tuchel.
Nagelsmann, who would be leading the German national team to the 2024 European championship, has decided to extend his contract with the country’s football team rather than return to his former employers.
The young football tactician announced his decision on Friday at the Germany Football Federation headquarters amid reports that he was considering Bayern’s job offer.
Announcing his decision, Nagelsmann stated that he has decided to extend his stay with the national team and would be managing the country’s players until 2026.
Nagelsmann said: “This is a decision of the heart. It is a great honour to be able to coach the national team and work with the best players in the country. With successful, passionate performances we have the chance to inspire an entire country.
“The two wins against France and the Netherlands in March really touched me. We want to play a successful home European Championship together. And then I’m really looking forward to the challenge of a World Cup together with my coaching staff”.
Responding to his decision, the country’s football president, Bernd Neuendorf, said: “It is a strong signal for the DFB and the national team that Julian Nagelsmann will remain head coach beyond the home Euros.
“This is because he was on the list of many big clubs across Europe. But the national team is for Julian Nagelsmann more than just a job, it’s a real matter of the heart. Now we have planning security and everyone can focus entirely on a successful performance at the Euros”.