A former employee of Bayern Munich has criticized the manner in which Julian Nagelsmann was dismissed in spring 2023.

Sports psychologist Maximilian Pelka, who was employed at the German record champions at the time, explained to kicker that the club's situation needed context. He noted that the squad had reached the DFB-Pokal quarterfinals and had just eliminated Paris Saint-Germain, featuring Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé, from the Champions League. However, Bayern sat second in the league behind Borussia Dortmund. Pelka emphasized that this highlighted the issue of performance pressure, with everyone constantly demanding more and more.

Pelka added that Nagelsmann was the only person who had been in the office at Säbener Straße on Sunday and Monday. No one else was there, as everyone was away. Nagelsmann then departed on Tuesday after completing all his work through Monday.

Nagelsmann had traveled to a ski vacation during an international break. This sparked a debate in Munich about his commitment to his job. Since the club's leadership was also dissatisfied with the sporting situation, Nagelsmann was relieved of his duties.

Bayern Munich: Nagelsmann's ski vacation was "approved"

Pelka criticized the narrative that emerged, stating that international breaks provide managers an opportunity to step out of the hamster wheel. He argued it was incorrect to suggest Nagelsmann had not handled the crisis properly. He questioned what "crisis" actually meant, acknowledging that the situation was difficult and that Bayern always wants to finish first. However, he contended that taking three or four days away from the chaos to clear one's head, while all national team players were away anyway, was exactly the right approach.

Pelka elaborated that while everyone wants to see continued work during difficult phases, he questioned whether that ultimately makes sense. He suggested it makes more sense to recharge energy to be fully present in the following weeks and months.

According to Pelka's knowledge, Nagelsmann's ski trip had been approved by Bayern Munich.