Nagelsmann seriously considered Bayern comeback, reveals Völler

Rudi Völler has revealed that Julian Nagelsmann seriously considered a return to Bayern Munich in 2024 before ultimately committing to the German national team.

Julian Nagelsmann spent nearly two years as Bayern Munich coach before being relieved of his duties in March 2023.

Later that year, he took over as head coach of the German national team and has remained in the role ever since, leading what has so far been a highly successful tenure.

In April 2024, Nagelsmann had the opportunity to return to Bayern Munich, who were once again searching for a new head coach.

However, he ultimately decided to remain with the national team and has since extended his contract with the DFB until 2028.

But, as Germany’s director of professional football, Rudi Völler, revealed in an interview with Blick, Nagelsmann seriously considered a Bayern comeback, motivated by the desire to prove himself at the club.

“There were other inquiries too. But proving to Bayern that he would be able to succeed there – that tempted him, yes. He wavered a little,” said Völler. 

“We told him: “You’ve now initiated the turnaround in German football. People like us again; they respect us again. If you leave now, maybe someone else will reap the rewards of your work starting in 2026 and win titles with these players.” And in the end, he chose us. That certainly also had to do with the relationship he’s built with the younger players,” said Völler.

“He had offers where he could have earned double or triple. But he likes it here. The DFB has a special appeal. We have a young team with a lot of potential for the next two or three years. It’s important to feel that you can win something with the team. And as a national coach, you also have some advantages,” the Germany boss continued, elaborating:

“If a player doesn’t perform, you simply don’t call him up again. You can’t do that with a club player. If he doesn’t perform, he still shows up to training the next day. And sometimes you also have to take contract situations into account. You don’t have any of that as a national coach.”

Bayern ultimately chose Vincent Kompany to replace Thomas Tuchel.