National coach Hansi Flick has regretted the release of Julian Nagelsmann (35) at FC Bayern Munich. "I think it's a shame that of course he now gets the chance to win three titles," said Flick on Friday evening during the half-time break of the U-21 international match between Germany and Japan on the TV station ProSieben Maxx in Frankfurt. Flick had led the Munich team to the treble in 2020, his successor was Nagelsmann in 2021.

Nagelsmann remains an "outstanding coach" despite his retirement as Munich coach, said the 58-year-old Flick. The Bayern players in the national football team were "very surprised" by the news, just like him.

Goretzka: "Great person and coach"

Meanwhile, national player Leon Goretzka reacted with emotional farewell words to the release of Nagelsmann in Munich. "Thank you very much for your cooperation. A cooperation that was always characterized by trust, fun and mutual appreciation. You are a great person and coach to whom we all wish all the very best from the bottom of our hearts," the midfielder wrote on Instagram on Friday evening.

Shortly before, the German football record champion had announced the already expected separation from Nagelsmann – and at the same time announced the commitment of Thomas Tuchel. "It is now up to us to bring your work to a successful conclusion. Thank you for everything!" wrote Goretzka. The 28-year-old published a picture showing him and his former coach on the pitch just before a hug. Bayern are still represented in every competition this season and can win the title treble.

Further reactions to the Nagelsmann exit at a glance:

Oliver Kahn (FC Bayern Munich CEO): "When we signed Julian Nagelsmann for FC Bayern, we were convinced that we would work with him for the long term – and that was the goal of all of us until the very end. Now, however, we have come to the conclusion that the quality of our squad – despite the German championship last year – has become increasingly rare. After the World Cup we played less and less successfully and attractively, the strong fluctuations in performance have called into question our goals this season, but also beyond this season. That's why we've reacted now."

Hasan Salihamidzic (FC Bayern Munich sporting director): "This was the most difficult decision in my time as FC Bayern sporting director. I had an open, trusting, friendly relationship with Julian from day one. I regret the separation from Julian. But after a thorough analysis of the sporting development of our team, especially since January, and with the experience of the second half of the season in the previous season, we have now jointly decided to release Julian."

Joshua Kimmich: "I can only say that Julian Nagelsmann is an outstanding coach. I've had a lot of coaches, a lot of top coaches – he's easily top three."

Lothar Matthäus: "It's the laws in football, and the results weren't right. And above all, I am of the opinion that he probably no longer had the dressing room under control, as they say, not all the players behind him. And of course, that's the worst thing that can happen to you."

Christian Heidel (board member FSV Mainz 05): "The decision to leave Nagelsmann was very surprising. The consequence of bringing Thomas Tuchel to FC Bayern came as no surprise at all to me. It was actually the only logical consequence for me. For me, Thomas is one of the three best coaches in the world."