Thomas Müller on the bench again at Bayern Munich: Tuchel explains himself

Coach Thomas Tuchel from FC Bayern Munich attributed Thomas Müller’s recent bench position to tactical considerations. As so often recently, the 33-year-old was missing from the starting XI in the Bundesliga game at Werder Bremen.

“Basically it’s all Thomas Müller games, but we have to make decisions,” said Tuchel before the Bremen game sky. “Thomas can always start for us. But the very wide positions with Sadio and King are not his profile. He could play inside, but we tend to occupy that in the half positions today.”

On the offensive against Werder, Tuchel relied on Sadio Mané, Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman and Jamal Musiala. Müller, on the other hand, was just on the bench, just like in the 2-0 win against Hertha BSC a week ago. Tuchel also did without Müller in the starting eleven in the two Champions League quarter-finals against Manchester City.

“I’m a big fan of Thomas,” said Tuchel. “He trained well and of course he doesn’t like it. But have you seen him against Hertha? He was up front with me in the coaching zone and exuded what needs to be exuded. I know what I have about him. It is everything’s ok.”

Because of the short seasons, there was speculation about a premature farewell to the identification figure, who was bound until 2024. When asked if he would be the coach who would seal Müller’s end at Bayern, Tuchel initially laughed before saying: “I’m the coach who’s trying to win against Werder Bremen with Thomas Müller today and then we’ll see.”

According to CEO Oliver Kahn, Müller gave a dressing room speech before the game against Bremen. “Shortly before the boys came onto the pitch here, he was the one who pushed the team and said that you have to win here today,” said Kahn. “I think Thomas is managing it really well. Despite the current situation, which is not easy, he’s accepting the fight and making positive progress. That’s great and shows the character he has.”