Tuchel on young supporters: Often more player than club fan
According to Thomas Tuchel, new fan perspectives are also influencing the inner workings of soccer teams. "For example, when I now see young fans wearing soccer shirts with a name on them, I have the feeling that they are more and more fans of the players and not just the club," said the FC Bayern Munich coach at the Ispo sporting goods fair in Munich. That was different in his day, explained the coach of Germany's record soccer champions.
Back then, people supported the club and when a player left, they were angry with the player, said Tuchel, recalling his earlier days as a fan. "We were disappointed. I cried at home and didn't change clubs. I no longer followed this player. I stayed with my club."
The younger generation left a different impression on him. Younger fans in particular would follow the player if he changed clubs. "When a player changes clubs, they simply buy a new shirt with a name on it," Tuchel explained.
This can also change the player's mindset because they are more focused on themselves. None of this is a bad thing, but it is a description of an environment, said the 50-year-old. A coach also has to deal with this changed environment.
It is the coach's job to ensure the team spirit, the right rules and the appropriate discipline in the team, said Tuchel. "Everyone in this team wants a piece of the pie. Every one of my players wants to be important, to play a role."
After the 0-0 draw in the Champions League against FC Copenhagen, FC Bayern continue their Bundesliga campaign at the weekend. In the long-distance duel with Bayer Leverkusen for the top of the table, 1. FC Union Berlin will be the guests in Munich.
In this new era of soccer fandom, young supporters of FC Bayern Munich often choose to support individual players rather than the club itself, as observed by Tuchel. This was noticeably different in his days, as fans were more loyal to the club and would be disappointed if a player left.
Regardless, the upcoming Bundesliga match against 1. FC Union Berlin in Munich will see the focus shift back to the team, with each player striving for their own significance in the squad, as mentioned by Tuchel following the Champions League draw against FC Copenhagen.
Source: www.dpa.com
