In a significant managerial move, Germany has appointed Julian Nagelsmann as their national team manager until July 2024. The 36-year-old takes the reins from Hansi Flick, who was relieved of his duties following a disappointing series of results, including a 4-1 friendly defeat by Japan earlier this month. Nagelsmann, who had been without a managerial role since his departure from Bayern Munich in March, now faces the task of leading Germany as they host the European Championship finals next summer, from June 14 to July 14, 2024.
Nagelsmann expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge, stating, “We have a European Championship in our own country. That’s something special – something that happens every few decades. I have a great desire to take on this challenge. We will be a close-knit group next year.”
His tenure will commence with a friendly match against the United States in Connecticut on October 14, followed by another friendly against Mexico in Philadelphia three days later.
A Highly Regarded Managerial Talent
Julian Nagelsmann is widely recognized as one of the most promising managerial talents in the football world. He took charge of Hoffenheim at the age of 28 and subsequently moved to RB Leipzig, where he led the club to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Bayern Munich secured his services in 2021, paying £21.7 million to release him from his contract at Leipzig. Nagelsmann enjoyed early success at Bayern, winning the league title in his first season, along with two German Supercups. However, his tenure was cut short in March after a string of five wins from 10 league games.
During the summer, Nagelsmann was linked to managerial vacancies at Chelsea and Tottenham, but both clubs ultimately chose other options.
Hansi Flick’s Departure and the Search for a New Manager
Hansi Flick, the predecessor to Nagelsmann, faced challenges during his tenure as Germany’s national team manager. He was dismissed earlier this month, making him the first Germany boss to be sacked since the role was established in 1926. Flick oversaw 12 wins in his 25 matches in charge since taking over from Joachim Low in August 2021.
After Flick’s departure, there were speculations about Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp being a possible candidate for the Germany national team job. However, Klopp reaffirmed his commitment to his Premier League club.
In the interim, Rudi Voller, former Germany striker and sporting director of the German Football Association, temporarily took charge for a friendly match against France, which Germany won 2-1, as the search for a permanent manager concluded with the appointment of Julian Nagelsmann.
