After 10 titles in a row, Bayern threatens to miss out on everything: ‘It’s inexplicable’
NOS Football–
Bayern Munich is currently the laughing stock of Germany. After a questionable trainer change, the record champion has ruined almost everything that could go wrong in less than two months.
“It’s not over yet,” coach Thomas Tuchel remains combative. “Let’s see what happens on the last matchday.”
Since Tuchel was appointed as Julian Nagelsmann’s replacement, Bayern has been knocked out of the Champions League and the national cup tournament. The 11th consecutive national title did seem to be secured with some difficulty, but after the defeat against RB Leipzig (1-3), it too seems to have passed Bayern by.
‘Bayern-Horror,’ headlined Bild newspaper.
Pictures surfaced of Bayern supporters averting their gaze from soccer. There were images of supporters massively seeking the exit of the Allianz Arena well before the final whistle. And of course it was about Tuchel, who has already lost more duels in two months than Nagelsmann lost in the entire season until his dismissal.
And so Tuchel’s old club is suddenly favorite for the national championship, the Borussia Dortmund of Donyell Malen and former Eredivisie top scorer Sébastien Haller.
“We had it in our hands, but gave it away,” Tuchel analyzed. “I have no explanation for how this could have happened. It’s actually inexplicable.”
Although the mismanagement of the Bayern management is blamed for the crisis, Tuchel is an easy victim at the scathing reviews his team is receiving.
Tuchel is fondly reminded that he once set up Leipzig standout Christopher Nkunku at right back, when the two were still working together at Paris Saint-Germain. Nkunku now made it 1-2, from a penalty kick. Moments later, Noussair Mazraoui caused another, with an unfortunate handball.
According to club icon Lothar Matthäus, Oliver Kahn (general manager) and Hasan Salihamidzic (technical director) can look forward to a spirited evaluation of their work. “If I were attached to my job, I would be worried. And I think Oliver and Hasan are attached to their jobs.”
No sense
Salihamidzic could not say a meaningful word about the crisis. “The problems are deep, but I can’t say what our problems are. Maybe the players need a season where they experience what it’s like not to win a title.”
Bayern has been champions of Germany for the past 10 seasons in a row. Since this season, Matthijs de Ligt, Ryan Gravenberch, Daley Blind (since the winter break) and Mazraoui are under contract there.
