Julian Nagelsmann makes bizarre 'red jacket' claim while reflecting on shock mid-season Bayern Munich exit

The famously fashion-conscious coach was reflecting upon his spell at Bayern Munich which came to an abrupt end in March last year with his side just one point behind league leaders Borussia Dortmund and still in contention in both the Champions League and German Cup. Despite that, Nagelsmann was suddenly replaced by Thomas Tuchel, who steered the club to an 11th consecutive title. Nagelsmann believes his vibrant wardrobe choices may have counted against him when the going got tough.

"As a coach you shouldn't attract too much attention," Nagelsmann told Der Spiegel. "On the other hand, I don't want to completely pretend to be another person for a job. I have different character traits than, for example, Jupp Heynckes.

"I just do some things differently, simply because I'm younger. I don't stand on the line at FC Bayern games in a beige trench coat just because some of my predecessors did that. The people in charge in Munich knew in advance that I would also wear a red jacket. And it didn't bother them. But when you fail, such trivialities are often used against you."

Nagelsmann's dismissal came as a shock, with the board pulling the trigger after a run of form that was far from ideal but certainly not fatal. It's fair to say things have not improved since with Bayern announcing Tuchel's departure midway through a season that threatens end trophy-less with the Bavarian languishing five points behind a superb Bayer Leverkusen side and trailing in their Champions League last-16 tie with Lazio.

The 36-year-old is focusing on Germany's preparations for this summer's European Championship. As hosts, expectations will be high and Nagelsmann pulled off something of a coup this week when he tempted Real Madrid's Toni Kroos out of international retirement.