Bayern boss Oliver Kahn justified the separation from predecessor Julian Nagelsmann before the official presentation of the new head coach Thomas Tuchel. "It is our duty and our job to ensure sporting success," said the 53-year-old at a press conference in the Allianz Arena.

The change of coach in the middle of the crucial phase of the season is "not a panic reaction," explained the CEO: "It has nothing to do with panic at all." The decision to release Nagelsmann was "well thought out" and not a decision based on emotion. "I know it's not a popular decision," said sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic.

The management felt compelled to act because of the constant fluctuations in performance because "the performance curve is constantly going down", as Salihamidzic said. The constellation between coach and team no longer fit. "We have one of the best squads in Europe. And yet the team's performance hasn't really improved. We can't be satisfied with the results in the second half of the season and the performances we often showed," said Kahn.

Tuchel signs until 2025

"The last few days have been difficult for all of us. There were also one or two nights when I didn't really sleep well," said Kahn. The 35-year-old Nagelsmann is still "an excellent, a very good coach," as Kahn said.

Thomas Tuchel is the successor. The 49-year-old, who most recently coached Chelsea, with whom he won the Champions League in 2021, has signed a contract until June 30, 2025. He will play his first game next Saturday against his former club and Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund.