It has been a difficult start to 2024 for Bayern Munich and Thomas Tuchel. The Bavarian club suffered their second defeat in six games this calendar year on Saturday. It was a crushing 3-0 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Courtesy of this defeat, Bayern are now five points behind league leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
The defeat in Leverkusen has piled the pressure on Tuchel. The German coach is facing criticism for his tactical setup against Leverkusen as he switched to a back three. There has been constant speculation about Tuchel’s future in Munich since the defeat against Werder Bremen at the end of January.
Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen publicly backed Tuchel after the defeat against Bayer Leverkusen. The Bavarian club is not thinking about sacking Tuchel midway through the season. Meanwhile, Tuchel is also not in a rush to leave Munich in the summer. The club chiefs have seen their stance on a squad upheaval strengthened after the defeat in Leverkusen.
According to Sky Sports in Germany, Bayern chiefs are pointing the blame towards players for the recent downturn in form. They believe that the current squad is difficult to coach, and some players may have to leave in the summer. The squad upheaval is expected to be implemented by Max Eberl once he is officially announced as the new board member in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Sky is also reporting that Tuchel was disappointed with players for not executing the tactical plan against Bayer Leverkusen despite showing great promise in training. The German coach was also baffled by the difference in training and game performances after the defeat against Werder Bremen in January.
It will be intriguing to see which players will leave Bayern in the summer. As things stand, there is strong speculation around the futures of Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and Serge Gnabry. All three players are going through an underwhelming season. Kimmich’s contract will expire in 2025. It is quite telling that no contract talks are yet to take place with the German midfielder.
Meanwhile, the three most senior players in the squad are expected to be part of the squad next season. Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich have signed one-year contract extensions to provide clarity about the goalkeeping department. Thomas Muller will also stay at the club after signing a one-year extension in December.
For the time being, Tuchel and players need to get their act together and push for two trophies this season. Despite the defeat on Saturday, they remain in contention for the league title. Meanwhile, the Champions League run resumes for Bayern on Wednesday against Lazio. Winning two trophies may certainly have a big impact on the future of Tuchel and a few players in the squad.