Hainer leaves door open for Nagelsmann: “Perhaps he will return to FC Bayern someday”

The Bayern boss believes Nagelsmann isn’t the finished article, but didn’t rule out the possibility of him returning as coach of the German record champions.

Speaking with Munich Abendzeitung, Bayern Munich president Hainer looked back on the tricky hunt for a new coach after the departure of Thomas Tuchel.

At the time, a return of Nagelsmann – who was sacked by the Bavarians in March 2023 – was also a topic of discussion. In the end, the club’s bosses decided against his return.

“It would have been far too soon to bring him back,” Hainer explained in retrospect. He sees Nagelsmann as a great coaching talent, but ultimately believes he still lacks experience. 

“Nagelsmann will certainly become a very good coach, but he also needs experience; he is still very, very young. He is gaining that experience now with the German national team,” he added. 

However, Hainer did not want to completely rule out a second term for the 38-year-old in Munich: “Perhaps he will return to FC Bayern someday.”

Not to forget the Bavarians’ current run of scintillating form under coach Vincent Kompany, Hainer also raved about the work of the Belgian gaffer. 

“[Finding] Vincent Kompany was a stroke of luck. He never puts himself in the spotlight, but always the team. The players repay him for that,” he explained. 

Kompany was recently reinforced in his role by contract extension until 2029. Nonetheless, the return of Julian Nagelsmann down the line cannot be ruled out completely.