Is Thomas Tuchel facing the sack? Bayern CEO refuses to give 'monstrous statement' of support to under-fire boss after third successive loss

Posted Monday, February 19, 2024 by Goal.com

Bayern Munich will not sack Thomas Tuchel in the wake of their 3-2 loss to Bochum, but CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen refused to offer the board's support.

WHAT HAPPENED?
Bayern found themselves 3-1 down at Bochum in a match that was interrupted on two occasions because of fan protests. Kane managed to pull a goal back late on for the German giants, but he could not prevent his team from losing a third consecutive match. Coach Tuchel has come under pressure amid the reigning Bundesliga champions' miserable run, and Sky Sports reports he is not considering resigning and has been assured that he will not be fired.

WHAT DREESEN SAID
Asked by Sport1 if Tuchel will be sacked, Dreesen said: "It was clear that this question was coming, it had been looming for some time. I don't believe in these monstrous statements of support for coaches. I've already said something about this, but it's not a question that arises for us today. We have to concentrate on the next games.

"I know how you want to hear it. I can say it that way too. But these vows of loyalty are usually over after a week, so I say it in my own way. I've said before - and I'll even repeat myself - that's not an issue we're currently dealing with."

When he was asked if Tuchel will still be in charge next week, Dreesen said: "Of course!"

THE BIGGER PICTURE
Bayern's misery began when the Bavarian side were outclassed in a 3-0 defeat at Bayer Leverkusen - in which they failed to have a shot on target - last week. They followed that up with another disappointing performance in the Champions League, losing 1-0 to Lazio in the first leg of their last-16 tie. The loss at Bochum now leaves Bayern eight points behind Leverkusen in the Bundesliga table.

WHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN?
Bayern have another difficult test coming up as they take on RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga on February 24. Leipzig put up a good fight when they came up against Real Madrid in the Champions League during the week, though they ended up losing 1-0, and followed that up with a 2-0 win against Borussia Monchengladbach to keep them fifth in the league.