Following the dismissal of Julian Nagelsmann, Bayern Munich has signed former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel.

Nagelsmann’s departure came as a surprise, with Bayern already in the Champions League quarter-finals and only a point behind Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund.

They have turned to Tuchel ahead of the key match against Dortmund on April 1, which might provide the champions with the momentum they need to retain their title.

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In remarks issued Friday afternoon, CEO Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic praised Nagelsmann and wished him well.

Club legend Kahn, 53, said: “When we signed Julian in the summer of 2021, we were convinced we would work with him on a long-term basis — and that was the goal of all of us right up to the end.

“Julian shares our aspiration to play successful and attractive football. 

“But now we have come to the conclusion that the quality in our squad — despite the Bundesliga title last year — has come to the fore less and less often.

“After the World Cup, we have played less successfully and less attractively.

“The big fluctuations in performance have cast doubt on our goals for this season, but also our goals for the future.

“That is why we have acted now. Personally and on behalf of Bayern, I would like to thank Julian and his coaching team and wish everyone the best of luck for the future.”

Salihamidzic added: “This has been the most difficult decision in my time as board member for sport at Bayern Munich.

“I have had an open, trusting, friendly relationship with Julian from day one. I regret the parting of the ways with Julian.

“But after a thorough analysis of the sporting development of our team, especially since January and with the experience of the second half of the previous season, we have now decided to release him.

“I am very grateful to Julian for what he has done for Bayern and I wish him all the best.”

Tuchel, 49, has signed a contract with the Bavarian club until June 2025 and will oversee first-team training on Monday.

The former Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain manager has been out of work since being fired by Chelsea in September and replaced by Graham Potter.

After succeeding club hero Frank Lampard, he guided the Blues to triumph in the Champions League, European Super Cup, and Club World Cup, but he clashed with the new Stamford Bridge leadership.