Bayern Munich has firmly quashed rumors surrounding their manager, Thomas Tuchel, potentially leaving for Barcelona at the season’s end. Tuchel, responding to questions about Spain during a fan event, praised La Liga as an ‘extraordinary league’ and expressed an ongoing interest in coaching abroad, having previously worked in England and France.
The comments, made shortly after Xavi Hernandez announced his departure, led to speculations about Tuchel’s potential move. Bayern Munich swiftly responded, stating;
“On Sunday, as part of a visit to a fan club, the fans asked our coach Thomas Tuchel about his coaching career and his previous experiences abroad, at PSG and Chelsea FC and, of course , he gave information about it in the conversation. He also answered general questions from fans about Spain as a football country. He never spoke about Xavi Hernandez and his successor, as was later falsely stated. We will no longer accept such unobjective statements against our coach, that always come from the same place.”
While Bayern’s reaction is understandable, Tuchel’s comments, albeit possibly innocent, were imprudent. With experience at PSG, Chelsea, and now Bayern, he should be mindful of the importance of discretion in public statements.