Bayern's problem is not the coach

2023-04-20 13:05:00

“We were completely on par with the best team in Europe at the moment.” Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel emphasized the positive after the 1-1 draw in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Manchester City, which meant elimination. What else did he have to align his team with the last remaining goal, the championship title in the Bundesliga?

The Munich team had practically lost their chance in the knockout duel eight days earlier when they lost 3-0 away. “It was a strong performance from the team overall, especially in the first half. If we take the lead it will be very tight for Manchester City,” said CEO Oliver Kahn. But the class wasn’t enough offensively – Bayern lacked a top scorer. The club management has long recognized this mistake in squad planning, which first coach Julian Nagelsmann and now his successor Tuchel have to pay for.

In the summer, Bayern will spend a lot of money to fix it. Interest in Tottenham’s Harry Kane has waned, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani on the shortlist. For both, the competition from England or Spain is great – and probably more financially strong. Ex-Sturm attacker Rasmus Höjlund, who took the next step in his development at Atalanta Bergamo, has already appeared as an alternative.

Trust in Thomas Tuchel

Kahn continues to believe that the change of coach in the middle of the crucial phase of the season was the right decision. “We are totally convinced that with Thomas Tuchel we will sooner or later be back where we all want to be, namely at the top – also in Europe,” said the CEO. He also has to convince his own fans, who expressed their displeasure on Wednesday. “Goals may not be missed – not values of the association! Question leadership policy!”, read one poster.

Ex-Bayern coach Pep Guardiola doesn’t have any of these worries. With Manchester City, he now meets Real Madrid in the semi-finals. Inter completed the Italian dream of Milan derby in the semifinals. Coach Simone Inzaghi’s team handed a 3-3 home win after beating Benfica 2-0 away. “My boys? They were historic,” Inzaghi said.