DStv Channel 403 Sunday, 03 November 2024

'Why not?': Tuchel backs Nagelsmann amid Germany job rumours

BERLIN - Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel on Tuesday backed the rumoured appointment of the man he replaced in the dugout, Julian Nagelsmann, for the Germany job.

German media reported earlier on Tuesday that Nagelsmann was on the verge of being named coach of the men's national team following the sacking of Hansi Flick, just nine months out from Germany hosting the European Championship.

Nagelsmann has been out of work since being sacked in March by Bayern, with Tuchel brought in to replace him.

"Why not?," said Tuchel, speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Bayern's Champions League match against Manchester United on Wednesday, when asked about Nagelsmann's possible appointment.

"Julian has the quality and (if) the DFB has decided for him, that's the most important requirement.

"There's been a decision and we can all look forward and (Nagelsmann can) influence things positively."

German tabloid Bild reported that Nagelsmann, 36, will take the reins on a deal which will run to the end of Euro 2024.

Flick became the first Germany coach in history to be dismissed from his post after his side slipped to a 4-1 friendly loss against Japan earlier in September.

Flick's men also failed to get out of the group stage at the World Cup in Qatar last year.

Germany have lost four of their six matches since then, as they prepare to host Euro 2024.

Nagelsmann had succeeded Flick in the dugout at the perennial Bundesliga champions.

He was seen as a rising star after impressive spells as coach of German sides Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig.

Nagelsmann's name was mentioned as a possible candidate for a number of top club vacancies over the summer, being linked with English sides Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

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