When things don’t end up the way they’re supposed to, the situation off the pitch could often turn real nasty beyond just whistles and jeers from the hostile fans, even to the extent of death threats.
This was exactly what happened to under-fire manager Julian Nagelsmann who was on the receiving end of “450 death threats” on Instagram when Bayern Munich were edged out of the Champions League quarter-finals by Villarreal. The Bayern Munich manager alleges he received 450 death threats in the aftermath of his side’s loss to unfancied Villareal in the quarter-finals.
German juggernauts Bayern Munich had lost the first leg 1-0 and only managed to draw the second leg in Munich on Tuesday, with Samuel Chukwueze’s late equaliser sending the underdogs through to face Liverpool in the semi-finals. The targeting of Nagelsmann by supporters is one of the backlashes of Bayern’s humiliating loss.
The 34-year-old revealed the extent of the abuse on social media and vile messages he was sent, telling a news confeence:
“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.
“If people want to kill me that’s one thing, but they also attack my own mother, who doesn’t even care about football.
“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.” Asked whether he had considered taking legal action, the German replied: “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.” Bayern currently sit nine points clear at the top of the table and are on course to retain the Bundesliga title for a 10th successive season.
Unfortunately their early demise in Europe’s premier tournament at the hands of Unai Emery’s team that has been going from strength to strength has tainted their campaign in no small way, besides having also been knocked out of the DFB Pokal at only the second hurdle with a 5-0 hammering from Borussia Monchengladbach.
On Wednesday, Naglesmann admitted: “I don’t really know what is coming towards me. But when we lose and are eliminated then that is bound to happen.
“I am not afraid of that. There are far worse things than that. I will continue doing my job and prepare for the Bundesliga. The team has enough experience with both good and bad moments. You win together and you lose together and you have to play the next games together. Obviously a big chunk of motivation is now gone after this Champions League elimination.”
Chief Executive Oliver Kahn gave his view, saying:
“We will not start shedding tears. Next year we will attack again. We now have the amazing opportunity to become champions for the 10th consecutive time. We will focus on that and give it all we have.”