As of: February 14, 2024, 9:37 a.m
By: Korbinian Kothny
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Who does Thomas Tuchel trust before the all-important Champions League round of 16 against Lazio?
A fundamental decision is looming.
Rome – Quo vadis, FC Bayern?
The pressure on the Munich team and coach Thomas Tuchel could hardly be higher after the embarrassing performance in Leverkusen at the weekend.
Only with a convincing victory can Tuchel drive away the spirits that are once again crying out for his replacement.
Manuel Neuer in goal – but who plays in front of him?
The 50-year-old still doesn't feel any pressure.
“No, I don’t feel any growing pressure.
It's a sporting pressure.
“It’s never been different,” said Tuchel at the press conference before the Champions League round of 16 against Lazio.
But what about his team, who seemed extremely helpless, and not just in Leverkusen?
Captain Manuel Neuer will lead this again in Rome.
The keeper was one of the few who was able to deliver his top performance in Leverkusen - there was no sign of his knee problems during the week.
But who will play in front of the 37-year-old?
And above all: Does Neuer have to lead a four-man chain or a three-man chain?
Joshua Kimmich and Thomas Müller are unlikely to come off the bench against Lazio.
© IMAGO/Maik Hölter/TEAM2sportphoto
Tuchel talks strongly about de Ligt – but he is still unlikely to be used in the starting eleven
Even though both Tuchel and the Bayern keeper emphasized before the knockout game that the formation was not decisive for the game at the weekend, it is difficult to imagine that Tuchel will rely on a three-man defense again against Rome.
A return to the back four is much more expected.
But with what staff?
Dayot Upamecano and Minjae Kim are likely to be in the center, even if Tuchel did everything he could to persuade Matthijs de Ligt, who was recently demoted, on Tuesday.
In addition, Noussair will almost certainly see Mazraoui back in the starting line-up.
The only question is whether as a left or right-back?
New signing Sacha Boey couldn't really promote himself against Leverkusen, Raphael Guerreiro would certainly help the team with his routine.
Champions League round of 16 probably a “Thomas Müller game”
Speaking of routine.
Tuchel should also rely on this in the center of midfield.
Anything other than Joshua Kimmich returning to the starting eleven would be a huge surprise.
In addition to him, Tuchel has two options in Leon Goretzka and youngster Aleksandar Pavlovic.
However, it is difficult to imagine that the FCB coach would throw the 19-year-old in right from the start in a game that is so important for him.
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The topic of routine also plays an important role.
“The chances are good,” said Tuchel about a possible starting eleven for Thomas Müller.
It was the only time that the Bayern coach allowed himself to be lured one day before the round of 16.
Next to Müller, the offensive sets itself up almost by itself.
Tuchel solves Kane puzzle
Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman are still injured, new signing Bryan Zaragoza still needs “a bit” according to Tuchel, and Mathys Tel is in poor form.
That leaves Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala for the wing positions and, of course, Harry Kane up front.
Tuchel seems to have solved the mystery of why he didn't take part in the game against Leverkusen.
“We didn't play steeply and diagonally enough, in safe spaces.
We want to get him involved more again and start tomorrow.” Not a bad plan for the security of his own job either.
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FC Bayern's expected line-up: Neuer - Mazraoui, Upamecano, Kim, Guerreiro - Kimmich, Goretzka - Sané, Müller, Musiala - Kane