Thomas Tuchel is officially unveiled as Bayern Munich’s new manager

Thomas Tuchel has been officially unveiled as Bayern Munich manager after meeting the media for the first time in the role, on Saturday morning. 

The German was appointed as Bayern head coach on Friday, after the German giants decided to part ways with former manager Julian Naglesmann. 

Tuchel – who has previously managed Chelsea, PSG and Borussia Dortmund –  has signed a contract with the German record champions until 30 June 2025.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, Tuchel said: ‘It’s an honor and a distinction to be asked by Bayern Munich. My thanks for the trust go to Oli, Brazzo, Herbert Hainer and Uli Hoeneß. 

‘The DNA of the club is very clearly defined. It’s about winning, there can’t be any ‘There are misunderstandings. The squad is one of the best in Europe. It will be a great challenge, but also a great pleasure to work with this squad.

Thomas Tuchel was officially unveiled as Bayern Munich’s new manager on Saturday morning

‘Even when you work abroad for a while, you become even more aware of the importance of FC Bayern. It’s one of the biggest clubs in Europe and the world. 

‘That’s a big responsibility too,’ Tuchel continued. ‘In the end there’s also a personal reason for me to work here close to my family and in the state where I was born. There are many reasons that made me accept quickly’.

Bayern Munich’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić and CEO Oliver Kahn were also present at the press conference to speak on Tuchel’s arrival. 

Salihamidzic said: ‘I called Thomas on Tuesday. Thomas picked up the phone and asked: ‘What do you want?’ I then said: ‘If you don’t feel like it, I’ll hang up.’ But Thomas was hot. 

‘We then met met in the evening, talked about everything and then everything happened very quickly in the past two days. 

‘We talked before three or four years ago, but unfortunately it didn’t work out then. This time, because Thomas wanted to immediately and so did we, of course.’

Bayern parted ways with former coach Nagelsmann on Thursday evening and informed him that his services would no longer be needed at the club. 

The 35-year-old received the news while away on a skiing holiday and it arrived as a major shock with Bayern still in the title race and the Champions League. 

The German manager has signed a contract that until June 2025 with the Bundesliga side

The German manager has signed a contract that until June 2025 with the Bundesliga side

Bayern's sporting director, Hasan Salihamidžić, explained the process behind Tuchel's signing

Bayern’s sporting director, Hasan Salihamidžić, explained the process behind Tuchel’s signing

Tuchel continued: ‘The timing was surprising, I didn’t expect it and there was no contact beforehand. I assumed that I would continue my career abroad. 

‘The first interview was on Tuesday evening. The size of the challenge was the deciding factor that I wanted to do it.

I’ve been in very close contact with Bayern before. But back then I couldn’t wait. It would never be appropriate to pressure anyone. Things went very quickly this time, it’s a top solution for me’. 

The 49-year-old’s first match in charge will see him take on his former side, Borussia Dortmund, in a crucial Bundesliga title clash. 

‘We don’t really have much time. I probably won’t see the internationals until Friday,’ Tuchel explained. ‘I have an idea of ​​what to do and I’m really looking forward to it. It’s about playing for all titles’.

Tuchel has enjoyed successful stints in England, France and Germany previously, which has led the Bundesliga champions to hiring him.

Bayern CEO Kahn said: ‘We don’t have to talk about Thomas’ qualities here. He was successful with Paris, led them to the CL final and worked with many superstars there. 

‘He immediately won the Champions League with Chelsea. That’s an impressive vita ‘There’s always a personal development behind it, of course. That’s why we’re very happy that Thomas is now our coach.’

Bayern's CEO, Oliver Kahn, insisted that Tuchel's career resume is a testament to his quality

Bayern’s CEO, Oliver Kahn, insisted that Tuchel’s career resume is a testament to his quality

Tuchel helped Chelsea win a Champions League title during his year-and-a-half stint in London

Tuchel helped Chelsea win a Champions League title during his year-and-a-half stint in London

There was general surprise when Bayern announced the decision to terminate Julian Nagelsmann’s contract on Friday afternoon.

With Bayern still in the title race and the Champions League, having comprehensively beaten Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 on aggregate to advance to the quarter-finals this month, Nagelsmann’s departure came as a major shock.

CEO Oliver Kahn said later: ‘When we signed Julian Nagelsmann for FC Bayern in the summer of 2021, we were convinced we would work with him on a long-term basis – and that was the goal of all of us right up to the end. 

‘Julian shares our aspiration to play successful and attractive football. But now we have come to the conclusion that the quality in our squad – despite the Bundesliga title last year – has come to the fore less and less often.’

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk