Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich has sympathised with manager Julian Nagelsmann following his dismissal after a season and a half in charge.
Nagelsmann’s sacking was abrupt, and he only found out while on a skiing trip with his family.
The 35-year-old has been relieved of his duties even though the club has not announced anything officially.
Kimmich, a mainstay in Nagelsmann’s XI, praised the coach and ranked him as one of his top three coaches.
He said (via Foot Mercato): “I can only say that Julian Nagelsmann is an outstanding coach. He is easily part of my top three best coaches.
“I totally understand that this is a hot topic right now. But there was no confirmation from the club, so I can’t, and I don’t want to say much about it.”
Bayern reportedly must continue paying the coach’s salary until he finds a new job.
His team have only been beaten three times this season. They lost their last game before the international break against Bayer Leverkusen, falling to second in the Bundesliga.
The title race has been much tougher this season, but Bayern have been in top spot more than any other side.
Bayern have lined up former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel to take over. The Bavaria-born manager has been a long-term target of the club.
Tuchel’s first game will come against table-toppers Borussia Dortmund on April 1. The Der Klassiker will likely determine where the Bundesliga title will end up.
Kimmich will be a crucial figure for Tuchel going forward, as he has been for his previous bosses.
The 28-year-old is currently captaining Germany in the absence of Manuel Neuer. Die Mannschaft have friendlies against Peru and Belgium over the next few days.
