Tuchel: Don't artificially interrupt Bayern's run of results
Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel does not want to jeopardize Munich's winning streak by making too many changes in the Champions League group game against FC Copenhagen. "It's still a Champions League game. We have a run of results that we don't want to interrupt artificially," said Tuchel on Tuesday. The German soccer champions have already qualified for the round of 16 as group winners ahead of Wednesday's game (21:00/DAZN), meaning Tuchel could rest some of his regular players.
"I understand the approach. Nevertheless, we don't want to give the impression that it's less important to us," said Tuchel. He will therefore only decide later how much he will rebuild his team.
This time, the head coach held out the prospect of Thomas Müller, who has often only been a reserve, starting in the starting eleven. "He knows how much I value him. He knows how much I respect him. Thomas is a playing legend for FC Bayern," said Tuchel. It is therefore not expedient to keep debating Müller's role. "Constantly putting this situation under the spotlight every week doesn't help Thomas either," said the Bayern coach.
Jamal Musiala will not be fit in time for the game against Copenhagen. The midfielder is not expected to return to team training until Thursday following his muscle injury and could return to the squad for the home game against Union Berlin on Saturday.
Tuchel no longer believes that defender Matthijs de Ligt, who completed his first individual training session on the pitch on Monday, will play this year. "My feeling is no," Tuchel replied to a corresponding question.
Tuchel acknowledged the importance of the Champions League, even if Bayern Munich has already qualified for the round of 16. "Despite qualifying, this is still the Champions League. We don't want to tarnish our current winning streak by artificially interrupting it in our group game against FC Copenhagen," he stated.
In the Champions League group stage, FC Bayern Munich, represented by players like Thomas Müller, will face FC Copenhagen, with UEFA overseeing the competition.
Source: www.dpa.com
