Leon Goretzka leads emotional Bayern Munich stars paying tribute to ‘great man’ Julian Nagelsmann

Leon Goretzka has led Bayern Munich stars showing respect to Julian Nagelsmann after the 35-year-old was sacked on Friday, with Thomas Tuchel presented as his replacement on Saturday morning. 

Goretzka led the tributes to his departing boss with a post to his Instagram account, highlighting the ‘trust, fun and mutual appreciation’ present in Nagelsmann’s time in charge.

‘Thank you very much for your cooperation. A cooperation that has always been characterized by trust, fun and mutual appreciation.

‘You are a great person and coach to whom we all wish from the bottom of our hearts only the very best. It’s up to us to complete your work successfully. Thanks for everything!’

Meanwhile Benjamin Pavard was more succinct in his parting message, writing on Instagram: ‘Thanks for the ride coach wishing you the best.’

Leon Goretzka shared a heartfelt tribute to departing Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann

Benjamin Pavard and Dayot Upamecano also took to social media to show respect to their departing boss

Dayot Upamecano made his debut for the Bavarian club during Nagelsmann’s time in charge and similarly expressed well wishes towards his former manager: ‘Thank you for everything coach I wish you the best for the future.’

Nagelsmann was ruthlessly sacked by the Bundesliga champions, with the news confirmed to him during a 61-minute crisis meeting with the club’s board.

The 35-year-old boss was pictured leaving Saebener Strasse – the Bundesliga giants’ headquarters in south Germany – just over an hour after arriving and his fate – as well as his successor – was made public soon after with Tuchel, who coached Nagelsmann at FC Augsburg, succeeding him.

The club are currently just one point off the top spot in the Bundesliga, with rivals Borussia Dortmund currently on course to end their run of ten-consecutive top flight title wins.

Nagelsmann was officially informed of his sacking during brutal crunch talks with the club’s board

Thomas Tuchel was officially unveiled as the 35-year-old’s replacement at the Allianz Arena