The prominent Bayern attackers from Leroy Sané to Serge Gnabry no longer hit the goal. There has been a total lack of goals in the Munich offensive department for five competitive games.
There were three goals from defenders during this time, plus midfielder Joshua Kimmich’s insufficient penalty goal to make it 1-1 in the Champions League defeat against Manchester City. That was all. In Mainz (3.30 p.m.) something has to change with the German record champions FC Bayern Munich. Could it be time for a youngster?
The 17-year-old Frenchman Mathys Tel indicated his goal threat as a joker last Wednesday. Shortly after his substitution, he scored against Man City in the Allianz Arena to put it 1-1. But Tel cheered only briefly. In the making, teammate Kingsley Coman was ruled offside. Bad luck.
“We see his qualities”
Coach Thomas Tuchel praises Tel. But in Mainz, too, this will only come from the substitute bench. “We see his qualities. He’s explosive, he has an incredibly good goal finish. He has such a youthful enthusiasm and drive that comes out in every training session. He has to keep that,” said Tuchel on Friday and added: ” He’s done well as a substitute a couple of times now. And that’s the role for now.”
Tel has scored four goals in 17 Bundesliga games, most of which have been shorter. The striker, who is coveted throughout Europe, came from France from Stade Rennes last summer for a basic fee of around 20 million euros. Tel should belong to the future in Munich. Possibly via the detour of a loan. “It hasn’t been finally decided yet,” said Tuchel about a training course by Tel with more appearances at another club in the coming season. A decision will only be made “very late” in the preparation, announced Tuchel: “At the end of August, not before.” Tel’s contract in Munich runs until 2025.
