Vaccinated Bayern boss Nagelsmann tests positive for Covid-19

Bayern Munich confirmed Thursday that head coach Julian Nagelsmann has tested positive for Covid-19 – even though he is fully vaccinated – having already sat out their Champions League win at Benfica with illness.

“Julian Nagelsmann has tested positive for the coronavirus despite being fully vaccinated,” the German giants said in a statement.

“He will return to Munich separately from the team by air ambulance and will isolate at home.”

Nagelsmann missed Wednesday’s 4-0 thrashing of Benfica in Lisbon after being taken ill and his assistant coaches Dino Toppmoeller and Xaver Zembrod took over duties on the bench.

Bayern have not said how long the 34-year-old will be sidelined.

The team has a busy schedule with five games in the next two weeks before the November international break.

Under the current rules in Bavaria, anyone testing positive for Covid must stay in home isolation for a fortnight.

Bayern showed they can win without Nagelsmann with Leroy Sane scoring twice in Lisbon as the Germans opened a five-point gap at the top of Group E.

They are also a point clear at the top of the Bundesliga table before Saturday’s home game against Hoffenheim.

Meanwhile, Leroy Sane struck twice in the second half to inspire Bayern to a 4-0 win at Benfica on Wednesday, as the German giants maintained their perfect record in the Champions League group stage this season.

Bayern have now won three games in three without conceding a goal and have one foot in the next round with a five-point lead at the top of Group E.

“It’s clear to see how hungry we are, that’s one of our biggest strengths,” Sane told broadcaster DAZN.

“We could have been a bit tighter at times in attack, but in general we are very pleased with the performance.”

The six-time European Cup winners were twice denied the lead by VAR in a hard-fought first hour, before Sane finally broke Benfica’s defences with a fizzing direct free-kick 20 minutes from time.

The German international added another goal and an assist in the closing stages as the hosts collapsed and Bayern cruised to yet another comfortable Champions League win this season.

“Leroy always trains free-kicks in the last session before a game, so it’s good to see that pay off,” said Toppmoeller, who directed proceedings from the sidelines in the absence of Nagelsmann.