MY ACCOUNT
Thomas Tuchel believes there is a positive energy around Bayern Munich as they begin the season’s “weeks of truth” with Saturday’s Klassiker against title rivals Borussia Dortmund.
Tuchel replaced Julian Nagelsmann at the Allianz Arena during the international break, with Bayern trailing BVB by one point and at risk of missing out on an 11th successive Bundesliga title.
The first game of the former Champions League winner’s reign pits him against the club he led between 2015 and 2017, winning the DFB-Pokal in his second season at the helm.
Despite enjoying limited time on the training ground with his new players, Tuchel believes Bayern are raring to go in their hunt for three major trophies.
“Today was the first training session with everyone. I feel positive energy and great anticipation. We are very aware of the importance of the game,” Tuchel said on Friday.
“These are the weeks of truth at FC Bayern and now it’s about titles. Normally Bayern can focus a little more on the Champions League at this stage of the season because they already have a lead in the Bundesliga.
“That’s not the case this year and that’s why every game counts now. When you arrive at Bayern in April and still are in all competitions, you’ll be fighting for all three titles.
“Of course, the quality and performance of the team should be right and should improve, but in the end it’s about the titles.”
Nagelsmann’s exit came amid suggestions all was not right behind the scenes in Munich, but several members of the 35-year-old’s backroom team will remain in place under Tuchel.
Denying he had been in contact with Nagelsmann, Tuchel said: “I want to gather my own impressions.
“Some people went with Nagelsmann and some stayed, but I don’t see why working with me shouldn’t work.
“I would like to form my own opinions and then draw my own conclusions from them. But the impressions have been very positive in all departments.
“Eat, sleep, work and repeat are the keywords. It feels like it has been a month’s work and I have been pretty tired every day, but it’s still good.”
Nagelsmann’s dismissal came as a surprise to several Bayern players, with midfielder Joshua Kimmich describing him as an “outstanding” coach while on international duty with Germany.
Asked about those comments, Tuchel said: “His disappointment is understandable. It’s not a problem to have a close relationship with a coach.
“Joshua is a player who embodies Bayern. He is a very important player. It’s a gift to work with players like that. Most of the time, players’ feedback is welcome.
“Along with Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller, he is a very important player. I didn’t feel any reservations [from them].”
