Bayern Munich's Thomas Tuchel and Thomas Müller acknowledge harsh reality after Bundesliga thrashing

Rob Fleming
11 December 2023

FC Bayern München led by coach Thomas Tuchel and seasoned football maestro Thomas Müller, faced a bitter 5-1 defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt, leaving fans and pundits alike in shock.

Tuchel and Müller, known for their no-nonsense approach, spared no excuses in the aftermath of the humiliating Bundesliga loss. The duo, speaking in post-match interviews, admitted that the extra week of rest and preparation, courtesy of the cancellation of the previous league fixture against Union Berlin, didn't yield the expected results.

Müller said that Bayern "deserved to lose, even by that number of goals." Despite a week of focused training on aggressiveness and winning mentality, the team failed to translate it onto the pitch. Müller lamented, "I didn't have the feeling that we didn't want it. They simply pushed harder and forced the issue. That's how it unfolded."

Tuchel, echoing Müller's sentiments, acknowledged the team's lack of readiness and energy. "When you have an extra week of prep, you don't have many arguments on your side," he stated bluntly. "We definitely weren't ready and were punished severely. The willingness and energy weren't there."

Addressing the team's shortcomings, Tuchel pointed out, "We have to take a good look at ourselves. The team's performance today was insufficient, and I'm part of the team." He expressed frustration that despite repeated messages, the necessary adjustments were not made on the field.

Müller, in a straightforward assessment, emphasized the need for a reaction after a 5-1 defeat. "The motives of anger must kick in, but we won't lose our heads," he affirmed. Recognizing the challenges in the world of sport, he added, "I'd prefer it if it all happened in one game so we can pick up again next time. That's what will happen. We'll fight back."

As Bayern regroup, the spotlight now turns to their upcoming Champions League clash against Manchester United on Tuesday. The team face a critical test in Group A, and Tuchel and Müller will undoubtedly be working tirelessly to ensure a strong comeback, aiming to erase the bitter memory of their Bundesliga setback.