Bayern Munich chief Max Eberl delivered an X-rated response when asked about the club’s hunt for a new manager following their latest Bundesliga setback. After a shocking 3-2 defeat to Heidenheim, despite leading 2-0 at half-time with goals from Harry Kane and Serge Gnabry, the director of football made it clear that his priorities lie elsewhere.
With the German giants now trailing Bayer Leverkusen by 16 points and their grip on second place threatened by Stuttgart on goal difference alone, the focus shifts to the Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal. The first leg is set for a tense showdown at the Emirates on Tuesday.
Thomas Tuchel’s summer exit has already been confirmed, but the team’s failure to defend their Bundesliga title has sparked rumours that he might leave sooner. However, in the aftermath of the Heidenheim game, Eberl was blunt about his immediate concerns.
“I don’t give a s**t about the search for a coach. Now it’s all about the Arsenal game,” said Eberl, as quoted by Express. “We’ll face a team that with all respect to Heidenheim, is a class above them. We have to make a proper turnaround so that we don’t get a slap to the face.”
Eberl failed to show confidence in his team’s ability to beat Arsenal. When quizzed on any reasons for optimism ahead of their north London trip, he responded: “I can’t think of anything at the moment.”
Following the loss, Tuchel expressed his confusion, saying: “Yes, that’s hard to explain. I can describe it to you. Explaining it is difficult.”
Arsenal’s impressive run of form, with 13 unbeaten games across all competitions, makes the upcoming match a daunting task for Bayern Munich. The Gunners’ recent 3-0 victory over Brighton has reinforced their status as favourites to avenge their 2017 defeat to the German giants.
That tie saw Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal hammered 5-1 on both home and away turf. A similar outcome seems highly unlikely this time around, particularly given Bayern’s current internal turmoil.
Bayern’s search for a new manager has faced a setback. Despite reports of a potential battle with Liverpool to acquire Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso, the Spaniard recently announced his decision to remain with his current club.
