Bayern Munich: Thomas Tuchel hits back at Dietmar Hamann for public criticism

Thomas Tuchel has managed to get the desired results for Bayern Munich in the three games after the defeat against Werder Bremen at Allianz Arena. Bayern clinched a win against Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday after wins over Augsburg and Union Berlin in the last fortnight.

Tuchel was under the spotlight after the defeat against Werder Bremen. There was criticism from pundits over the lack of definite style in the first team since Tuchel arrived ten months ago. The speculation over Tuchel’s future intensified when he spoke about the Spanish league during a fan event.

The comments from Tuchel about the Spanish league were heavily criticised by former Bayern midfielder Dietmar Hamann. He went on to call Tuchel a disgrace for speaking about admiration for La Liga. With Xavi leaving FC Barcelona at the end of the season, Tuchel’s comments were taken out of context, which fuelled speculation and criticism.

Bayern released a statement to defend Tuchel from Hamann’s criticism and pour cold water on the speculation around the German coach’s future. Hamann also apologised for his harsh comments. While talking to Sport1 after the win against Gladbach, Tuchel came out all guns blazing when he was asked about comments from Hamann.

""The things that happened were completely taken out of context and said deliberately. Statements were deliberately made that were not true. I was at a fan meeting and we were all shocked at what he [Hamann] made of it. That's why I don't care if he apologised. I don't buy it and that's why it's irrelevant.""

- Thomas Tuchel

The Bavarian club is completely behind Tuchel, and they have no plans to look for a coach midway through the season. Tuchel’s future could be assessed in the summer if the Bavarian club ends the campaign without a trophy. Bayern are currently in contention for the Bundesliga and Champions League titles.

Meanwhile, Tuchel is reportedly not thinking about leaving Bayern in the summer. The German coach wants to stay in Bavaria at least until the end of his contract, which expires in 2025. Tuchel is already taking active part in the club’s planning for next season.

Bayern have been changing coaches every two years since the departure of Pep Guardiola in 2016. With Julian Nagelsmann, there was a long-term plan. However, the inconsistency in performances made sure Nagelsmann lasted only 18 months at the club. The club chiefs will hope that Tuchel will provide the club much needed stability in the coaching department.

The next few weeks are crucial for Bayern and Tuchel. The Bavarian club will face league leaders Bayer Leverkusen next weekend. Winning this game will help Die Roten to regain the top spot in the points table. Bayern will travel to Italy on February 14 to face Lazio in the first leg of the UCL round of 16. Tuchel needs to get good results along with commanding performances in these games to make sure Bayern end up having a successful season.