FC Bayern Munich had to admit defeat 3-0 against league leaders Leverkusen in the top game of matchday 21. The championship is now a long way off. For many commentators in the press, the personnel and tactical changes made by coach Thomas Tuchel are to blame for the debacle. His counterpart Xabi Alonso, however, is fired for his consistently good work.
Kicker: “Without ideas, without energy, helpless: FC Bayern presents a frightening picture in the 3-0 defeat in the top game at Bayer Leverkusen, the changing of the guard in German football is becoming apparent. Coach Thomas Tuchel’s plans backfire, but he is the only one to blame not.”
Süddeutsche Zeitung: “With Leverkusen’s 3-0 win against FC Bayern, there is a world of difference between challenger and champion. The game will leave its mark in Munich and spark debates.”
Augsburger Allgemeine: “It smells like a preliminary decision – and Tuchel also played his part in that.”
Abendzeitung Munich: “Thomas Tuchel has difficult days and weeks ahead of him, but this 3-0 loss in Leverkusen was too devastating from Bayern’s perspective, too unmasking. In all respects, in terms of tactics and personnel.”
Münchner Merkur: “Not only are the record champions now five points behind the Werkself in the championship race, but they also have to question their play in a top game after one of the weakest performances in recent years.”
Sportschau: “Bayer Leverkusen could become German champions, that’s because of coach Xabi Alonso. At FC Bayern they look on with envy.”
Rheinische Post: “The record champions are always there in top games, it is said, but Bayer 04 Leverkusen was tactically cleverer, more united in terms of teamwork and more variable in terms of play in the 3-0 win against Bayern Munich. Xabi Alonso won the duel between the coaches against Thomas Tuchel. “
Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger: “Bayer Leverkusen has taken a huge step towards the first championship in the club’s history. While the home team delivered a passionate and strong performance, the guests were disappointed across the board.”
The Athletic: “Bayern’s head coach Thomas Tuchel had described the game in advance with the words “pants down, cards on the table”. But instead of the show the giants had hoped for, Saturday’s revelation was a truly sad sight.”
The Guardian: “This was not just a defeat but a humiliation, not just three important points in the title race but an attack on Bayern’s entire identity. Bayern were outclassed by a faster, hungrier and more creative Bayer Leverkusen.”
Marca: “Nothing can stop Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen. Not even Bayern Munich.”
