Thomas Tuchel is frustrated.
‘Thomas Tuchel has repeatedly and publicly criticized Munich’s lack of depth,’ German outlet Sport1 reported on March 23 (KST). Tuchel has already been criticized by honorary president Uli Hoeneß for his “unwise comments.”
Now, former Munich player Thomas Strunz couldn’t understand Tuchel’s behavior either. “The issue should be discussed internally, not in front of the television cameras after every game,” he said, “because then the players will have to deal with unnecessary things.
Thomas Tuchel knew from the start of this summer’s transfer window that he wanted to sign a ‘number six’ (defensive midfielder). He knew that Jozua Kimmich couldn’t play the role of a defensive midfielder, and in fact, many defensive midfielders were on their list.
However, the Bayern Munich hierarchy had a different opinion. They didn’t think they needed another player in the ‘number six’ position, and in fact, they weren’t very aggressive about signing one. The need for a defensive midfielder was felt acutely during preseason and after the season started.
With each passing round, I felt more and more that we needed a defensive midfielder, but it was too late. The money was there. Even if they signed their top priority, Harry Kane, they sold Luca Hernandez, Sadio Mane, Marcel Xavi, Jan Zomer, Vincent Favre, and Ryan Hrabenberg and made €175.45 million.
They were linked with a number of multi-millionaires, including Eric Dier and Trevor Chalobah, and tried to sign them. However, the terms Munich wanted were too much for their opponents, and so time passed and they approached Palinha with only one day left in the transfer window.
The agreement with Palinha was actually finalized and the player left England for Germany. He had his medical in Munich and was photographed in his jersey. But there was a twist. Joivier, whom Fulham had touted as Palinha’s replacement, refused to move to Fulham and, unable to find a replacement, Fulham canceled Palinha’s transfer.
Selling players without a plan is also problematic. They sold Stanisic and Hrabenberger, both of whom were available in midfield, and Palinha’s departure has left them with only Leon Goretzka, Jozua Kimmich, and Konrad Reimer in the midfield.
Munich now have the smallest first-team squad in the entire Bundesliga with just 21 players. It’s a tough challenge for head coach Thomas Tuchel.
The situation is about to get even worse. In January, Munich will have to send Nusair Mazrouei, Erik Maxime Choupo-Moting, and Buna Sarr to the Africa Cup of Nations, while Kim Min-Jae will play in the Asian Cup. This will leave the club with only 17 first-team players for the duration of the tournament.
Kim Min-jae is also not getting a break. He has played in all seven league games and has played 598 minutes. In addition, the tactical nature of the team means that the center backs have a lot of roles to play, so it’s hard not to worry about injuries.
Tuchel has constantly spoken to the media about the situation, but the criticism has been directed at him. “Tuchel’s main job is to create a good atmosphere in the locker room because your best performance has to come every three 안전놀이터 days,” Strunz continued. “But if he keeps repeating that theme, then as a player I’m only going to trust 95 percent of what he says.”
In the debate about Munich’s poor squad situation, Dietmar Hamann also criticized Tuchel. “Tuchel shouldn’t shirk responsibility, because he was also part of the transfer committee. He didn’t decide who he wanted.”
“Munich could of course have one or two more players and still be able to play until the winter break. This eternal whining, I really don’t want to hear it anymore.”