Thomas Tuchel knows about the special constellation when he started as FC Bayern coach. The 49-year-old hardly has time for intensive preparation for the “huge game” against his ex-club Borussia Dortmund next Saturday in the Allianz Arena because of the large number of Munich national soccer players assigned for international matches.
“I looked at my training plan. We may train with the national players for the first time on Friday,” said Tuchel before the game against the Bundesliga leaders.
His first practice session with the existing small group around Thomas Müller or Leroy Sané is scheduled for this Monday. However, the new head coach does not see any major changes in the tactical system or in the processes before games as necessary in the decisive phase of the season. “I’m really looking forward to the squad,” he said.
Build trust on the pitch
Tuchel wants to convince the Bayern pros quickly. “Not all players will be super happy now either. That’s quite normal. There’s a big upheaval when the head coach leaves in the decisive phase of the season,” he said. “Uncertainty can arise there. The quickest way to gain confidence is to go out onto the pitch.”
He will conduct group discussions in the limited time available and also get feedback from the players. “I don’t want to overload anyone,” announced the football perfectionist. In the course of the week, the main thing is to “create anticipation for Saturday evening”. BVB come to Munich with a one-point lead.