As the Bayern Munich players fine-tune their preparation for a long-awaited clash against Real Madrid, this Tuesday evening on the lawn of the Allianz Arena in Munich, as part of the semi-final first leg of the Champions League, the current climate behind the scenes of the Bavarian club is simply deleterious. Indeed, if the departure of Thomas Tuchel has already been confirmed, the German coach and his players still hope to save the season by lifting the European Cup on June 1 at Wembley. The bare minimum to avoid a completely blank campaign without a trophy, while Bayer Leverkusen is already crowned German champion and the Bavarians were knocked out in the second round of the cup by the modest club of Saarbrücken (third division). Unfortunately, the ego wars are intensifying in the Bayern offices, a few hours before the most important match of the end of the season. The search for Tuchel’s successor is becoming a state affair in Bavaria and everyone seems to be torn apart.
For several weeks now, the presses have been torn between several profiles mentioned in numerous rumors. There was long propaganda around Xabi Alonso before the Spanish coach announced he was staying at Bayer Leverkusen. Then came the period of Julian Nagelsmann, who finally extended his contract at the head of the German selection. There was also the sweet dream around Zinedine Zidane. And finally, the attempt to attract Unai Emery who also renewed his lease at his club Aston Villa. Failures are therefore becoming more and more legion in the Bayern offices and even the listed plan Bs are falling through. The search for a coach at the Rekordmeister continues and a hot lead currently leads to Ralf Rangnick in Austria. Behind this major subject, a man crystallizes all the tensions and multiplies the internal attacks against Thomas Tuchel.
New attacks from Uli Hoeneß
Last Friday, Uli Hoeneß took part in a round table at the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). Often present at events like this, the Bavarian leader likes to take the opportunity to speak by accumulating some very explosive media outings. And on this first occasion, Thomas Tuchel was targeted. In short, Hoeneß’s message is the following: the former PSG and Chelsea coach would be incapable of developing the potential of his players, especially young players. He would prefer to put pressure on his sports management to recruit big, expensive players like Harry Kane. The next day, Tuchel then felt that his “honor as coach had been offended” and called Hoeneß’s accusation “unfounded”. The 72-year-old leader is not at his first attempt, having already clashed with Louis van Gaal and even Bayern ultras. In any case, Bavarian supporters recently launched a petition to keep Thomas Tuchel.
Even if Thomas Tuchel tried to defuse the bomb at a press conference yesterday, saying that this matter was “closed”, Uli Hoeneß does not seem to be holding back internally from criticizing the Bayern coach. As reported today Sports Bild, the honorary president is embarrassed by Thomas Tuchel’s decision to loan defender Josip Stanisic to Bayer Leverkusen this summer. The native of Munich is now a regular player there and has even become German champion, a sacrilege according to Hoeneß. In the midst of this clash, Max Eberl faces his first major mission since arriving in the office. The new sports director tries his hand at diplomacy and believes that the “two men must meet again”. But there is currently no sign of a possible regrouping. Failing to launch a major call for unity before Real Madrid, the honorary president, Uli Hoeneß, opts for philosophical war.
