2024-05-12 18:28:41
Before his last home game as coach of FC Bayern, Thomas Tuchel received an unusual announcement from his current club – which caused astonishment.
Nobody in the Allianz Arena had expected this announcement. Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel was not officially farewelled before his last home game as coach of the German record champions. Instead, an announcement before the game against VfL Wolfsburg caused astonishment.
“One more thing is important to me, very briefly: No, we are not saying goodbye to our coaching team today, we are not saying goodbye to Thomas Tuchel today,” said stadium spokesman Stephan Lehmann before kick-off. “Because the season isn’t over yet. Today this game against VfL Wolfsburg, next week in Hoffenheim – FC Bayern would like to defend this second place in the table. And I promise: of course it will be made up for in due time. But not today.”
Sarr and Choupo-Moting were farewelled
A strange and unusual announcement, as it is customary for coaches, players and distinguished officials who leave a club to be farewelled at the last home game of the season. Incidentally, FC Bayern previously did the same with players Bouna Sarr and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, both of whom will no longer play in Munich next year. Sarr was sent off with flowers in the stadium and the missing Choupo-Moting was acknowledged in his absence. Marketing director Andreas Jung, who worked for the Munich company for 28 years and is leaving this summer, was also bid farewell. Just not Tuchel.
“I find that a bit bizarre,” said DAZN commentator Marco Hagemann in the live broadcast. “Kind of a weird explanation.”
The 50-year-old had already emphasized in advance that he did not want a celebratory farewell: “You don’t need to hand over flowers to terminate your contract early without a title,” Tuchel said at the PK before the game on Saturday. “Of course I’m not happy personally. I signed a contract with Bayern Munich to win titles.” Nevertheless, the step is unusual.
Tuchel took over the Munich team in March 2023 as the successor to Julian Nagelsmann and won the German championship as his only title in the summer of last year. This season, Tuchel came away empty-handed with FC Bayern. The contract, which was originally dated until 2025, was terminated early in February at the end of this season. It remains unclear who will be Tuchel’s successor. Recently there was renewed speculation about ex-coach Hansi Flick as a possible successor.