Julian Nagelsmann's relationship with BILD reporter Lena Wurzenberger led to 'a lack of trust' in the Bayern Munich changing rooms claims former Bayern defender Markus Babbel.
Nagelsmann was relieved of his duties at Bayern Munich earlier this week, being replaced by former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, with the German side currently sat a point adrift of Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund.
It was a decision which few saw coming, one which came as a shock to Nagelsmann, who first heard of his potential sacking whilst scrolling through social media during a skiing holiday.
It has been reported that the German's relationship with BILD newspaper reporter Lena Wurzenberger - who has since left her role with the publication - had caused "big problems" at Bayern Munich.
Speaking to Blick, former Bayern Munich defedner Markus Babbel spoke of how the romantic relationship between the pair created trust issues within the camp:
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"I know that Nagelsmann's relationship with a BILD reporter was a huge topic in the dressing room. It didn't go down well at all that he was with her. His girlfriend was therefore a big problem for Bayern.
"There was a lack of trust because some players just weren't able to communicate what they were thinking anymore. Because they were afraid that everything would end up in the newspaper."
It's not the first time that there has been talks of fear regarding conversations in the dressing room, as it was only last week that Nagelsmann himself had spoke of a 'mole' in the Bayern Munich camp after tactics were leaked by Sport Bild.
Speaking ahead of their Bundesliga clash with Bayer Leverkusen - which would prove to be the German's final game in charge of the club - Nagelsmann stated:
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"“It annoys me. The person who leaks something harms each of the players, this is not the goal.
“Moles are a protected species so the search is very, very complicated. What is important to me is to be able to look at myself in the mirror. For this person, it will be hard to look in the mirror.
“I’m thinking a lot about it because I ask myself: what is the purpose of the person leaking it, what are they hoping for? The motive is not clear to me.
“It couldn’t be for financial reasons. It makes it easier for the opponent.”
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The 35-year-old is back on the lookout for a new job, and has been linked with a move to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, who are thought to be on the verge of sacking Italian manager Antonio Conte.
Topics: Bayern Munich, Bundesliga, Julian Nagelsmann
Tom Young