Thomas Tuchel is leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the season, but what went wrong for the former Champions League winner at the Allianz Arena?
As well as simply being up against an outstanding Bayer Leverkusen side led by Xabi Alonso, it seems there have also been numerous issues behind the scenes between Tuchel and Bayern, according to transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for the latest edition of his Daily Briefing column, Romano explained that Tuchel had some issues with player relationships at Bayern, while the club’s failure to get two signings completed also seemed to be key to his downfall.
Romano named Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah as one target Tuchel was keen to get his hands on, as well as Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.
Chalobah played under Tuchel when the German tactician was in charge at Chelsea, so it perhaps makes sense that he was eager to be reunited with him, even if some Blues fans might be surprised that so much trouble could come from failing to sign someone who’s clearly only a backup player at Stamford Bridge right now.
Tuchel’s transfer issues at Bayern
Providing some insight into Tuchel’s troubles at Bayern that led to yesterday’s announcement that he’d be leaving the club at the end of the season, Romano said: “There were many issues, from what I’m told, including issues with players. Also transfers because Tuchel was not happy with the Joao Palhinha and Trevoh Chalobah deals collapsing on Deadline Day in August – the situation between Tuchel and the club was not ideal.”
He added: “It’s not an issue with tactics, from what I heard, but more about some personal relationships, and so this is why they both came to the decision to go their separate ways at the end of the season.”
It will be intriguing to see who Bayern choose to be their next manager, while Tuchel will also surely attract plenty of interest from big clubs once he becomes available.