Nagelsmann aims to increase Bayern's tactical variability

BERLIN -- To increase Bayern Munich's tactical variability is one of his main aims, the Bavarian's new coach Julian Nagelsmann said at his inaugural press conference ahead of his first training session this Wednesday afternoon.

The 33-year-old announced a possible back-row of three would only be one of the options the 2020 treble winner will be counting on.

"We have seen several teams at the Euro 2020 with players having to play a position they didn't feel comfortable with. So, we are going to avoid that and make sure they play in their favorite place as we need their best performance," the successor to Hansi Flick commented.

Several of Bayern's internationals spoke of a negative effect on the German team's performance, having to play in unfamiliar positions at the European Championship.

"We have failed to run our games in a more reluctant approach trying to create stability and keep our goal clean," Bayern striker Thomas Mueller said after Germany's defeat against England.

The former RB Leipzig coach added he would not turn things upside-down but is aware "I have to win titles, and that's what I intend to do".

After signing a five-year contract with the Bavarians, Nagelsmann said goalkeeper Manuel Neuer remains the team's captain as "he is an outstanding captain".

The Bavarian's new coach added he hopes for many more years with Leon Goretzka as the midfielder is negotiating a contract extension. The German international's current contract expires in 2022.

Goretzka is most likely joining the team's players committee to replace David Alaba (Real Madrid), Nagelsmann added.

Accompanied by Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic, Nagelsmann said he is happy about the return of fans to German arenas for the 2021-22 season starting in August after many months of games behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It should be our goal to return to full arenas as soon as the situation is ready for it," the German national league's youngest coach said.

Due to a decision made by health authorities, up to 25,000 fans will be allowed in the Bundesliga's arenas.

Meanwhile, the federal state of Bavaria only permitted 20,000 supporters due to the state's border location and higher travel activities between bordering countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.

Kahn called the decision "good news" but spoke about "unequal treatment" as other clubs get higher numbers.

"We still wait for official approval and are in constant talks with our local authorities. However, we as the FC Bayern count on a convincing hygiene concept and regard the health of our employees and our fans as the most pressing issue," the club's CEO stated.

Kahn said he hopes for higher numbers in Munich after further talks.

Bayern is facing its first season home game against Cologne on August 22, following the season opener on August 13 in Moenchengladbach.