Tuchel expects "reaction" after Bayern's cup defeat
After FC Bayern Munich's embarrassing cup exit, coach Thomas Tuchel is expecting even more explosive action in the top match of the Bundesliga at arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund. "It's a big game in Germany. And after the cup, it's a big game for us to show a reaction," said the 50-year-old on Friday.
"Defeat in the DFB Cup goes against the basic law of FC Bayern," said Tuchel about the second-round exit against third-division side 1. FC Saarbrücken. On Saturday (18:30/Sky), the Munich coach warned that they would have to play at "their performance limit" again in Dortmund and play at "their best level": "We have enough quality, form and spirit."
However, the record champions also have considerable personnel problems to solve ahead of the test of strength with Dortmund, who are also unbeaten in the league this season. Joshua Kimmich is suspended in midfield and Matthijs de Ligt is out in defense with a new knee injury.
The logical solutions would be Leon Goretzka and Dayot Upamcano. However, both players are coming back from injuries and Goretzka would have to play with a splint following his metacarpal fracture. The question is whether it is justifiable to let both "skip a few steps" and put them straight back into the starting eleven. Goalscorer Harry Kane will be back after being rested in the cup tie at Signal Iduna Park.
Despite the personnel issues, Tuchel believes that Bayern must deliver their best in the Bundesliga clash against Dortmund, aiming to bounce back after their cup defeat. This decisive match in Germany could see key players like Goretzka and Upamcano potentially returning from injuries, adding an extra layer of uncertainty to Bayern's lineup.
Source: www.dpa.com
