Injuries
This is the one area that I do have sympathy for Tuchel. Bayern has been plagued with injuries. Even before Tuchel took the job in March of last year, club captain Manuel Neuer was out after fracturing his leg in a skiing accident and experienced delays in his return. But the injuries have not stopped there.
Youngster Tarek Buchmann was supposed to provide cover for the backline, but a torn hamstring has seen his season end early. Bouna Sarr, while never really involved, suffered a knee injury that has ended his season. Serge Gnabry fractured his arm in the Pokal exit and then suffered a muscle injury that has continued to set him back. Kingsley Coman's recent MCL injury will see him miss at least three months.
The short-term injuries have continued to see a constant change in the lineup. Raphael Guerreiro seemed to of had a very strong preseason, before needing to be shut down just before the start of the Bundesliga campaign. De Ligt has struggled with injury concerns during the first half of the season and is just now getting back to peak fitness (I still can not believe that is why he is not playing). Konrad Laimer is out until at least March with a calf injury. Alphonso Davies hopes to only miss three weeks with his recent injury. Even the ever-present rock that is Joshua Kimmich has seen time out with a shoulder injury just before the Leverkusen match. Dayot Upamecano was able to make it back just in time for the Leverkusen match after missing two weeks.
I am sure Tuchel has found it difficult to find consistency within his side given the injuries that the team has experienced throughout the season. This is the one area where sympathy comes into play. But also, for a manager to be known for tactical flexibility, shouldn't he be able to overcome this?