Bayern Munich is set for major managerial changes, with Oliver Kahn officially taking over the chairman’s job from Karl-Heinz Rummenigge by the end of 2021.
Behind the scenes, the former Germany goalkeeper’s growing influence came to light when the 51-year-old initiated the process to find a coach to follow Hansi Flick. He has also been the one to solve the team’s defensive frailties.
The Bavarian icon not only managed to convince Europe’s most promising coach such as Julian Nagelsmann to sign a five-year contract starting in the lead-up to the 2021/2022 season.
Bayern Munich has never before given a similar vote of confidence to a coach. Star coaches such as Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti were only provided with three-year contracts and Louis van Gaal and Jupp Heynckes two.
The 33-year-old comes amid the hope to solve the problem that made the 2020 treble winners fail in the German Cup against a second division Kiel. They also made an exit in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals only a few months after the club’s remarkable achievements.
Nagelsmann’s teams stand for a unique tactical variability. At his current employer RB Leipzig, the young coach used seven different systems turning the defense into the league’s best. Last season the Champions League underdogs reached the semi-finals, often changing their tactics during the 90 minutes. RB Leipzig has let in 15 goals fewer than the reigning German champions in the league.
Bayern Munich’s departing coach Hansi Flick failed in his attempt to create a solid defense.
Gaps at the back were responsible for Bayern Munich failing when it matters. Two goals in the Cup defeat against Holstein Kiel and three against Paris St. Germain (PSG), in the Champions League, were instrumental in the club failing to match last season’s achievements. All they could manage was the league championship win.
Opponents had worked the Bavarian’s approach. While Flick continuously counted on a back-row of four, Nagelsmann changed his back row from three to five depending on the situation. Flick’s 4-2-3-1 system will not always be Nagelsmann’s first choice. At RB Leipzig, he counted on a midfield diamond, a double six, or a formation with two strikers. “He manages to lift teams to a new level you don’t expect.”
Bayern Munich’s president spoke about the new arrival, having convinced the club with his innovative approach. Herbert Hainer called the new manager a perfect match addressing the team’s requirements regarding an aggressive offensive game, high pressing, and possession football.
The record 25-million-euro transfer fee Bayern Munich paid to RB Leipzig strengthens the coach’s position on his way to expanding Bayern Munich’s tactical options.
After players complained about being overloaded with tactical advice in his early years in Hoffenheim, Nagelsmann has learned to follow a more patient path.
While Flick entirely counted on experienced players, Nagelsmann is keen on opening doors for talents that address Bayern Munich’s demands to increase the development of youngsters bred in the club’s academy.
If Nagelsmann does succeed, it not only will be good news for national competitors but international rivals also.
