As of: February 13, 2024, 10:10 a.m
By: Philipp Kessler, Manuel Bonke
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Matthijs de Ligt was still head of defense at FC Bayern under Julian Nagelsmann.
Under Thomas Tuchel, the central defender is completely left out.
Munich – Matthijs de Ligt (24) is a man of clear words.
But the FC Bayern central defender is still biting his tongue.
When he walked past the waiting journalists to the team bus after the 3-0 loss in Leverkusen, the usually informative Dutchman was not available to make any statements.
His explanation: He didn't play.
Once again.
Matthijs de Ligt is now only the number four central defender under Tuchel
Despite a strong performance including a goal the week before against Borussia Mönchengladbach (3-1), de Ligt only languished on the bench against Bayer.
Thomas Tuchel (50) gave preference to other defense stars in the unusual three-man chain: Minjae Kim (27), who only returned from the Asian Cup in Qatar on Wednesday.
Dayot Upamecano (25), who only started training with the team two days before the big game after tearing a muscle fiber in his left thigh.
And Eric Dier (30), who moved from Tottenham to FC Bayern in January after not playing a role at Spurs for months.
A decision that, according to
tz
information, also surprised parts of the team based on the signs.
There is no clearer sign that de Ligt is apparently only number four central defender for Tuchel.
The Dutchman was head of defense under former Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann (36/current national coach).
Under Tuchel, de Ligt, who has also been plagued by a number of injuries this season, is left out.
When asked whether he was fit enough to be in the starting eleven against Leverkusen, he answered clearly: “Top fit!”
Matthijs de Ligt and Thomas Tuchel: Is it still working?
© Imago/Wagner
That's what Tuchel demands from his Bayern central defenders - de Ligt didn't ask
The big question: Why doesn't Tuchel rely on de Ligt?
According to
tz
information, the coach wants to see his central defenders, who ideally also have speed, build up the game quickly with vertical passes.
Not de Ligt's strength, which comes more from power and mentality.
But above all, Bayern could have used his leadership and fighter qualities in Leverkusen.
“I was very surprised that Bayern chose not to use the stars with Bayern DNA in the game of games.
If I were Tuchel, I would have relied on de Ligt, Kimmich and Müller, especially in Leverkusen,” said Sky expert Lothar Matthäus (62).
Joshua Kimmich (29) and Thomas Müller (34) were only substituted on in the 60th minute, but de Ligt wasn't substituted at all.
A degradation.
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The relationship between de Ligt and Tuchel is considered tense - Bayern's farewell is possible in the summer
The relationship between the Dutch international and Tuchel has long been considered tense.
A winter escape was still out of the question for de Ligt, who came from Juventus Turin in 2022 for a fixed fee of 67 million euros.
He reportedly rejected an attempt to lure him away from Paris Saint-Germain in January without hesitation.
If his situation remains unchanged - and Tuchel is coach - a change in the summer is certainly possible.
It is also no secret that Tuchel would have wanted a new defense boss in the winter.
The ex-Chelsea coach worked intensively on Ronald Araujo (24).
The Uruguay star is under contract with FC Barcelona until 2026.
Bayern are said to have been prepared to dig deep into their pockets for him.
A January change didn't work.
It is possible that the personnel will become hot again in the summer.
Philipp Kessler, Manuel Bonke