Nagelsmann missed Bayern Munich's 4-0 Champions League win over Benfica on Wednesday due to what the club described as a flu-like infection.
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Despite being vaccinated, Bayern Munich manager Julian Naglesmann has tested positive for COVID-19. Nagelsmann missed Bayern Munich’s 4-0 Champions League win over Benfica on Wednesday due to what the club described as a ‘flu-like infection’ but he sent instructions to his assistants remotely. Bayern Munich released a statement on Thursday, confirming Naglesmann’s infection and stating that the manager will fly to Munich separately and undergo self-isolation. The entire Bayern Munich unit, including both players and other staff, are likely to be tested ahead of their next encounter. The Bundesliga champions will be hoping that no one else in their ranks tests positive for the virus.
“Despite being fully vaccinated, Julian Nagelsmann, 34, head coach of FC Bayern Munich, has tested positive for COVID-19. He is returning to Munich separately from the team by air ambulance and will self-isolate at home,” the statement released by the club on Thursday read. The manager was reportedly feeling ill ahead of their match on Wednesday against Portuguese club FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. His team recorded a comfortable 4-0 victory on the day to strengthen their position at the top of Group E.
A brace by Leroy Sane, a Robert Lewandowski finish, and a Porto own goal saw the Bavarians record a comfortable victory on the night. They have won all three of their group games and are top of Group E with nine points and a healthy goal difference. Bayern are one of the favorites to win the Champions League this season and they have certainly proved why.
They have also been faring quite well in the Bundesliga, as expected. After playing eight matches in the domestic league so far, Bayern sit atop the table with 19 points after six victories, one draw, and one loss. Their closest rivals, Borussia Dortmund, sit second, just one point behind the league leaders. Bayern will have to play against Hoffenheim in the league next and it is unlikely that Naglesmann will be involved.
Things are not all bad for the Bavarians, considering how good their form on the pitch has been so far this season. Skipper Manuel Neuer was quite pleased with the team’s performance in the 4-0 drubbing of Porto in the Champions League.
“I think the second half was outstanding. We got off to a good start against Leverkusen. But we didn’t allow a lot, and there was also a very good goalkeeper on the opposite side. Then we had bad luck with the VAR, that will have been correct. But if we score earlier, it’s easier for us,” the German goalkeeper said.
Neuer’s appearance in the Champions League match was also his 100th as a Bayern Munich player. Between his time at Schalke 04 and Bayern Munich, he has now made a total of 122 appearances in the competition. He is tied for 14th most Champions League appearances with Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique, both of whom have made all of their appearances with Barcelona, with the exception of four at Manchester United for Pique.
