Key players Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka expressed their concerns even before Tuchel’s first training session with the team.
Kimmich described the coaching change as “strange”
The recent firing of Julian Nagelsmann and the subsequent appointment of Thomas Tuchel as Bayern Munich’s new coach has caused unease within the squad. Key players Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka expressed their concerns even before Tuchel’s first training session with the team. Speaking after captaining Germany to a 2-0 friendly win over Peru, Kimmich described the coaching change as “strange” and alluded to the heartlessness of the soccer industry. He later clarified that his comments were not meant as a criticism of Bayern management but rather a general observation about the sport. Despite praising Nagelsmann as an “outstanding” coach the day before his departure, Kimmich admitted he did not know much about Tuchel.
Tuchel has a tough task ahead of him
Similarly, Goretzka expressed trust in the management’s decision but revealed his shock at Nagelsmann’s sudden departure. He had been “extremely close” to the former coach, and the news came as a surprise to him and the rest of the team. Kimmich and Goretzka’s concerns may be rooted in the fact that Tuchel has only five days to prepare the team before their crucial game against Borussia Dortmund, which could decide the Bundesliga title race. Moreover, the team is currently trailing Dortmund by one point in the standings, and they will face Manchester City in the Champions League quarterfinals on April 11. Tuchel acknowledged that not everyone would be happy with the coaching change but emphasized the need to focus on the Dortmund game. He has a tough task ahead of him, especially since he is taking over a team that had just lost their previous game to Bayer Leverkusen.
Tuchel’s past experiences suggest that he may not be one to tolerate drama and politics within the club
The drama surrounding Nagelsmann’s departure from Bayern Munich may have contributed to Kimmich and Goretzka’s unease. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer had publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the removal of a favoured goalkeeping coach, and Nagelsmann had been on the hunt for a “mole” who leaked tactical secrets to a German newspaper. However, Tuchel may not be the type to tolerate such drama. He has been open about his frustration with football politics in his previous jobs, which led to fractured relationships with club executives. His time at Paris Saint-Germain saw him win two French titles and reach the Champions League final, but also involved disagreements with the sporting director over transfers. Tuchel’s sudden departure from Chelsea in September was also unexpected. The new American ownership had signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a former favourite from his Dortmund days, only to fire Tuchel a week later.
In conclusion, Tuchel’s appointment as Bayern Munich’s new coach has caused unease within the squad, with Kimmich and Goretzka expressing their concerns. Tuchel has a challenging task ahead of him as he takes over a team that is trailing Dortmund in the standings and faces a crucial game against them in his first week. However, Tuchel’s past experiences suggest that he may not be one to tolerate drama and politics within the club.