Thomas Tuchel reacts to Bayern sacking Oliver Kahn and Hasan Salihamidzic
Bayern Munich capitalised on Borussia Dortmund's choke on the final day of the season to win the 2022/23 Bundesliga title, though the triumph wasn't without its low points and embarrassments.
On-field performances have been disappointing and Bayern have been swift to implement change to their off-pitch hierarchy as the post-mortem on a somewhat salvaged season begins.
CEO Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic were given the boot minutes after Bayern secured an 11th consecutive title, though the decision to fire both former players was made on Friday. Jan-Christian Dreesen has taken over as CEO.
Herbet Hainer, the chairman of Bayern's supervisory board, said: "The decision to part with Oliver Kahn was anything but easy for the supervisory board. Nevertheless, due to the overall development, we have come to the decision to make a new appointment at the top of the executive board.
"We would like to thank Oliver Kahn for his commitment, his ideas and for everything we have achieved together. He will always remain a great figure at FC Bayern. We wish him all the best for his future."
On Salihamidzic, he added: "The course of this season after the winter break and differing views on the future direction of our team have led us to agree with Hasan Salihamidzic on an immediate termination of his contract. The decision was a difficult one for us."
Tuchel wasn't impressed by the dismissals, telling Sky: "Hasan and Oliver called me about eight weeks ago and convinced me that we should do it together. I also persuaded and convinced my assistant coaches.
"The two of them were instrumental in getting us to go on this journey and that we were trusted. So first of all I have to process this. I've known about the decision since yesterday. Instead of celebrating, we have another political issue."
Veteran Thomas Muller was also caught off guard, revealing live on TV: "That's coming now, a minute after the final whistle?
“Good job from you. I didn't know anything about that until now."
Kahn didn't take the news too brilliantly. He told Sky: "That was the worst day of my life, taking it from me to celebrate with the boys."
Read the latest Bundesliga news here
feed
German outlet Bild later claimed Kahn 'completely lost it' when told of his dismissal by Uli Hoeness and Hainer, while SPORT1 reported Kahn threatened to 'spill the beans' on Bayern's current situation. It was even hinted there were concerns over potential violence.
Kahn vehemently dismissed the claim he overreacted when getting the sack.
He posted on social media: "The claim that I freaked out when I was informed about the dismissal is definitely not true. I got a call from Herbert Hainer on Friday telling me about the decision. It was a calm and matter-of-fact conversation. I just wondered about this activism, why this decision was now brought forward.
"On Saturday morning I got the message that I can't go to the game. I accepted this decision calmly. Of course I'm disappointed, but I'm really happy about this championship and I'm happy for the team, the coach and our fans."
Bayern have a vital summer coming up. They managed only 71 points to win the Bundesliga, their lowest tally since 2009/10, and must draw up a focused approached having ditched Julian Nagelsmann mid-season as fears of a Champions League exit grew.
The Bavarians were knocked out in the quarter-finals by finalists Manchester City, who could test Bayern's resolve this summer as they are keen on a deal for Germany midfielder Joshua Kimmich.
LISTEN NOW
On this week's edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders is joined by Toby Cudworth and Graeme Bailey to discuss all the latest transfer news. On the agenda: Tottenham's pursuit of Feyenoord manager Arne Slot, Bayern Munich's interest in Declan Rice, Joshua Kimmich, Neymar & more!
If you can't see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!