Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer react to Hansi Flick’s shock decision to leave Bayern Munich

After Bayern Munich managed to squeeze out a 3-2 win over VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga this weekend, coach Hansi Flick thought it would be a good time to announce his decision to leave the club. Speaking to the press after the game, Flick put an end to months of speculation by confirming his intention to terminate his contract at the end of this season.

Naturally, the players did not remain silent over such a bombshell. Bayern captain Manuel Neuer was the first to react, saying: “The reasons aren’t important to us, this was an emotional story for all of us because we had such a successful time. It was especially important for him to tell us personally.”

Meanwhile, Thomas Muller, who can credit his incredible career resurgence to Hansi’s direct influence, said the following: “He didn’t give us the exact reasons, and he didn’t have to. He spent a lot of energy in the intense past year and a half. To be a coach at FC Bayern, you need thick skin. The expectations are very high and you always have to stand by your team.”

Does anyone else sense a vague hint of disappointment in that quote? You be the judge. Muller naturally wouldn’t say anything more than that, given the circumstances. However, it’s unfortunate that someone who seemed to fit Bayern so perfectly is leaving after barely one-and-a-half seasons in charge.

As for the ongoing coaching search, we have some good news:

Nagelsmann is Bayern’s top candidate, while Allegri has not yet been approached. Of course, how “good” that news is depends on your perspective. Losing a treble winning manager like this is never a good look — if they don’t get the next coaching appointment right, Brazzo and Kahn will have a lot to answer for.