Tuchel presented in Munich: “Of course it puts pressure on me”

THomas Tuchel chose an elegant outfit for his return to the big football scene. Julian Nagelsmann’s successor in a navy blue jacket sat between CEO Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic as he was introduced as Bayern’s new coach on Saturday. The headlights in the Allianz Arena press room reflected on his sweaty forehead – and perhaps respect for the Munich starter program, which has it all.

The press conference the day after Nagelsmann’s unexpected departure from the German champions could hardly have been more poignant. First, the leadership of Munich, with bewilderment, announced the release of Nagelsmann (35 years old). Then Tuchel, with his clear vision of his job as successor, made pleased faces next to him.

Tuchel: It’s all about winning

“The DNA of the club is commitment. It’s very well defined. It’s about winning, and also about the way to win. Accordingly, a squad is formed. With this roster, you can play for any title,” said Tuchel, who has a contract until the summer of 2025. Kahn and Salihamidzic smirked contentedly at these words.

Six months after being kicked out of London Premier League club Chelsea and five years after his first matches with Bayern, Tuchel embarked on a delicate mission in his native Munich. In the Bundesliga, the German Cup and the Champions League, he can take the first triple steps in decisive games – or lose his first title. “Of course it puts pressure on me. But when you sign with Bayern you have to play for all titles,” Tuchel said ahead of the groundbreaking weeks.

The new head coach of the Bayern seemed relaxed, honest and extremely realistic when he talked about what was to come. “Not all players will be very happy. When a head coach leaves, big changes happen. Uncertainty may arise there,” Tuchel said candidly about the current situation and the risks associated with it. “But the thing is, we love pressure, we love stress. This is my whole life.”

From Monday, the Swabian will prepare Munich for the classic game against Dortmund after the international break. The next test of strength will take place on April 4 in the cup quarter-final against Freiburg, followed a week later by the first match of the quarter-final in the premier class against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Explosive: In the 2021 Champions League final, Tuchel, along with Chelsea, defeated Guardiola’s Citizens. Bayern would like to see Tuchel make another coup in the premier class this year.

The magnificent certificate of the 49-year-old football player convinced the management of Bayern. “Impressive resume,” CEO Kahn confirmed to the new coach. “Now we need such a top manager,” said sports director Salihamidzic. The sporting director began talks with Tuchel on Tuesday. “I called Thomas. Then he says: what do you need? I say: if you don’t feel like it, then hang up, ”Salihamidzic described the first contact with a laugh.

In contrast to the relatively quick contract negotiations, Tuchel had to wait a long time on Saturday before the doors to the arena’s large press room opened for him. Kahn and Salihamidzic spent nearly 30 minutes coming to terms with Nagelsmann’s time. “We have one of the best teams in Europe. And yet the continuity of the team’s work hasn’t really improved. In the second half of the season, we can’t be satisfied with the results and performances we’ve shown so often,” Kahn explained, explaining the release, which “wasn’t a panic reaction.”

Salihamidzic looked even deeper. “The constellation between coach and team no longer fits,” said the 46-year-old. The sum of the coach and the team was supposed to be two, last time it was more like 0.5. The performance curve was “constantly down” with many players no longer reaching their peak form. “You’ve seen a picture of it all on the pitch,” Salihamidzic said clearly.

After a lightning-fast change of coach, nothing changes in Tuchel’s professional relationship with Nagelsmann. “I understand that Julian is now very ashamed. But this is not my responsibility. And that is why I allow myself to accept the work positively and with full anticipation,” he said. However, Tuchel admitted that he expected to continue his coaching career abroad. The timing of Bayern’s request was unexpected.

Bayern Goalkeeping Coach Calculator remains

At Bayern, Tuchel will be accompanied by his trusted fellow coaches Arno Michels and Zsolt Löw. “My coaching team wasn’t ready either, so a big thank you to the families for their flexibility,” Tuchel said. He has been with Michels and Löw for over a decade. He still hopes that he will also be able to accompany Anthony Barry to Munich as another assistant. Barry, 36, is currently still employed by Chelsea, Tuchel’s former employer.

Goalkeeping coach Michaelrechner, recently hired at the request of Nagelsmann, will also join Tuchel’s staff. “He’s leaving, he’s the best player and will stay with us,” Salihamidzic said. Rechner replaced Tony Tapalovic. Injured captain and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was greatly upset by Nagelsmann’s separation from his close friend Tapalovic.

Unlike Nagelsmann, Tuchel only signed a contract until June 30, 2025 inclusive. “I feel comfortable with this deadline. If everything goes well, we will try to extend it,” Tuchel said. A short contract gives him freedom. He thinks the lead time is perfect. Nagelsmann signed a five-year deal when he took over in Munich in 2021.


Source: Frantfurter Allgemeine

Get in Touch

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related Articles

Latest Posts