Julian Nagelsmann revealed he contacted Joshua Kimmich after the Germany midfielder hit the headlines as he admitted he had not been vaccinated for COVID-19.
Bayern Munich, who are preparing to face Borussia Monchengladbach in the DFB-Pokal second round, have been without Nagelsmann after the former RB Leipzig head coach tested positive for coronavirus.
However, it was Kimmich who was the main point of interest after Bayern defeated Hoffenheim 4-0 as the 26-year-old explained he had not been vaccinated because he wanted further research to be conducted first.
Former Bayern president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was quick to assure Kimmich should do the responsible thing and get vaccinated, though Nagelsmann attempted to put an end to the saga at Tuesday’s pre-match news conference.
“A lot of topics are often chewed through,” Nagelsmann told reporters from his home during his virtual conference. “It is important that there is an exchange of views. Everyone then has to decide for themselves whether they have to give their mustard to everything.
“There are experts, they should express their opinion. Whether the federal government has to do that now, it has to know for itself. I am happy when everyone can concentrate on their job again.”
@J__Nagelsmann working from home today and dialling in for the press conference ahead of our #DFBPokal game in Gladbach – LIVE now https://t.co/lEfDWnzZs6 #BMGFCB #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/zkfTUdTXyl
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) October 26, 2021
Nagelsmann, who has been operating from his homemade “data centre”, then revealed he had contacted Kimmich to discuss the interview while admitting it was up to the individual whether they should get vaccinated or not.
“I wrote to him after the interview,” he continued. “I told him that there are certainly easier interview topics. That is the price you pay when you are in public.
“Enough has been said about it now. I also gave my opinion of what I thought about the vaccination – I now know how the symptoms progress.
“From this and in exchange with doctors I also noticed that the disease behaves differently after the vaccination. Nevertheless, it is up to you to decide whether he can be vaccinated.”
Nagelsmann will not be fit enough to return for the visit to Gladbach, though he could return against Union Berlin on Saturday.
His side have won all three games in his absence, dispatching Leverkusen, Benfica and Hoffenheim by an aggregate score of 13-1.
9 +12 – FC Bayern have earned 9 points from their first three games of this season’s UEFA Champions League, scoring 12 goals and conceding none – this is the best start to a Champions League season for the club, and the joint-best overall in the competition. Run. #SLBFCB #UCL pic.twitter.com/DAmUxQo1J6
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) October 20, 2021
However, the 34-year-old revealed he finds comments that Bayern do not need a coach in his absence disrespectful, pointing towards the crucial interventions that are sometimes required on the touchline.
“The team is very good, no question about it,” he added.
“I also have a very well-functioning coaching team. They are a tight-knit bunch, and we know each other very well.
“But I don’t lie around at home and don’t work on anything. I think it is sometimes a bit disrespectful when you claim that the team doesn’t need a coach. There are always moments when you should intervene.”
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