This time it’s the last straw. Substitute again during Bayern Munich’s frustrating draw against Bayer Leverkusen (2-2), Matthijs de Ligt is not satisfied. Until then, the Dutchman had said nothing, allowing time for the start of the season and the international break to pass. But this time he is very annoyed as the first European deadline presents itself with a very big piece: the reception of Manchester United at the Allianz Arena next Wednesday (kick-off 9 p.m.).
Passing through the mixed zone after Friday evening’s meeting, the defender let slip a few statements on his current state of mind. “What can I tell you? I haven’t played much in the last four matches, it’s terrible and of course it’s not pleasant because I always want to play.he explains, from whom we can guess that relations with Thomas Tuchel are very fresh. “If the coach explained his reasons to me? No, he didn’t.”
Tension rises between Tuchel and De Ligt
As we will have understood, the situation is not looking good. We suspected it a little because initial information had already leaked into the press in recent days. After a failed first match against RB Leipzig in the German Super Cup, De Ligt was replaced at halftime. Since then, he has not found the starting lineup, Tuchel preferring the Dayot Upamecao – Kim Min-jae hinge. The German coach even tested the former Turin player in defensive midfielder for a few moments two weeks ago.
This time against Bayer, he played the last 5 minutes of the match, taking the place of Konrad Laimer. Tuchel criticizes him for his slowness in the game and his lack of ability to play forward. There is no longer any real doubt that he appears as his 3rd choice for central defense and these statements will not help the case of the 24-year-old Dutchman. The latter was Nagelsmann’s summer priority in 2022. Bayern did not hesitate to allocate €67 million to recruit him but coaches change and so do ideas.
