‘Not so easy’: Nagelsmann got 450 death threats after Bayern’s UCL exit

Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann has revealed that he received death threats following Bayern’s shock exit from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Unai Emery‘s Villarreal.

The Bundesliga giants, typically, have always been Champions League heavyweights and were strong favourites to overcome Villarreal, with many even tipping them to win the Champions League itself this season.

However, Bayern succumbed to a shock 2-1 defeat to the Spanish side over the course of two legs, after which Nagelsmann and his family were targeted on social media.

Also read | ‘Kevin had stitches’: Guardiola on Man City injuries ahead of Liverpool tie

Speaking to the press about the harrowing experience, the 34-year-old German manager said, “I know I will always get criticism from all sides – that’s normal and I can deal with it.”

“But with 450 death threats on Instagram, it’s not so easy,” he added.

Nagelsmann went on to highlight how his family was targeted on social media: “If people want to kill me that’s one thing, but they also attack my own mother, who doesn’t even care about football,” he said.

“I don’t understand it. As soon as they turn off the TV, people forget all decency. And they think they are the ones in the right, that’s the crazy thing,” the German said.

Also read | Manchester City and Liverpool meet again in FA Cup semifinal

When asked if he would take legal action against those putting up death threats on social media, Nagelsmann dismissed the idea saying, “I would never be done with it. I get them after every single game, regardless of whether we win or lose.”

“There are more death threats when we play with a back three than when we play with a back four, and obviously a few more whenever we lose,” he explained.

Nagelsmann took charge of Bayern Munich this season after Hansi Flick’s move to the German national side, and is almost certain to lead Bayern Munich to a Bundesliga title for the 10th consecutive season: the league leaders are nine points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund with seven games left.