Outgoing Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel, delivering a cutting response to the media as his team moved into the Champions League semi-finals, couldn’t resist throwing a dig after staving off an Arsenal challenge.
Former Chelsea and PSG boss Tuchel, set to depart from Allianz Arena at the season’s close, has had a tough year with Bayern losing their grip on the Bundesliga title after 11 years of dominance to Bayer Leverkusen.
With an early exit from the German Cup, the Champions League remains Bayern’s sole chance at a trophy. Tuchel has weathered rough defeat but led his team to a 3-2 aggregate victory over Arsenal this week.
Joshua Kimmich netted the pivotal goal in Munich despite the Premier League side being favoured due to Bayern’s recent struggles. After guiding his team through, Tuchel took a moment to hit back at the media, reports the Mirror.
On being asked whether the win brought satisfaction amidst the season’s trials, he retorted: “But where did the criticism come from. From you, the media, and now you ask me if I feel any gratification? It is what it is. I have given it all from the first day and will give it all until the last day.”
Bayern, who will now face Real Madrid for a position in the Wembley final, won the Champions League at the same venue in 2013. Tuchel led Chelsea to competition success in 2021 and has his sights set resolutely on landing the prize again.
“The semi-final is a huge step,” he stated. “The last four, that was fun. Great joy and great relief. These are special moments. We beat one of the top Premier League clubs. We will have to see what this win does to the club. The season is not yet over. Especially not now.”
Former Tottenham striker Harry Kane, who joined Bayern last summer, could crown his debut season in Germany with silverware. Having already netted a penalty in the first leg, the striker is unambiguous about the club’s goal.
“The expectation here is to try and win the Champions League,” Kane declared. “We won the league for 11 years in a row so maybe there was a bit of tempo missing [as we didn’t win it this year]. That can’t happen. Now we have to enjoy the Champions League and try to get ready for Saturday.”
