FC Bayern is in the semi-finals of the Champions League. However, Thomas Müller experienced something new. Thomas Tuchel takes a look behind the scenes.
Munich – When Danny Makkelie whistled off FC Bayern's game against Arsenal on Wednesday evening at 10:49 p.m., the decibel meter must have risen to exorbitant heights.
The 80,000 supporters in the Allianz Arena, most of whom supported Munich, were understandably happy about Munich's first semi-final appearance in the Champions League in four years. But the players' joy - and above all the relief after the final whistle - was also noticeable on the pitch. Above all, Thomas Müller.
FC Bayern moves into the semi-finals of the Champions League – without Thomas Müller
Despite the joy that the German record champions are once again one of the four best teams in Europe in the rollercoaster season, the Bayern star experienced an absolute novelty this time: Müller sat in a Champions League quarter-final for the first time in his career 180 minutes on the bench.
Thomas Tuchel did not substitute the 34-year-old in the first leg in London or in the home arena. That must have caused a lot of Müller frustration.
Thomas Müller 180 minutes on the bench – Thomas Tuchel gives the background
“It’s completely clear that he doesn’t like that,” Tuchel revealed on Friday at the press conference before the Union game when asked by
IPPPEN.MEDIA
: “It’s also completely clear that I don’t like that. Neither explaining this to him in advance nor trying to cheer him up afterwards. What should I say to him the day after? Nothing I have to say to him will make him happy.”
CL-Novum causes frustration for Thomas Müller - but Tuchel isn't worried
Noticeable: Müller was happy with his teammates on the pitch after the final whistle, took his lap of honor and celebrated with the supporters in the corner - but this time he didn't speak in the mixed zone. This is rather unusual for the veteran.
But the Bayern star probably won't be in a lasting bad mood. Müller appeared happy again on his social media channels on Thursday.
“It's about trusting that our relationship is stable enough to withstand this,” said Tuchel in the press room on Säbener Strasse, describing the emotional conflict with his veteran: “It was a sporting decision, it's nothing personal. It is in no way a devaluation of his status.”
It is quite possible that Müller will be back in the starting line-up for the away game at Union Berlin on Saturday lunchtime. Leroy Sané is out and Jamal Musiala should also get a break. Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman are still missing.
Thomas Müller is threatened with a similar scenario: at the DFB with a bench seat at the European Championships in the summer
For Müller, the CL novelty could also be a foretaste of the home European Championship in the summer. Because national coach Julian Nagelsmann, who extended his contract with the DFB on Friday until 2026, also has a place on the bench.
But it's not a problem for Müller's current coach at FC Bayern: "He's professional enough to be able to cope with it again and again, enough of a guy to then step on the gas again the day after in training with eight men," said Tuchel: "That makes it easier for me, because it’s already hard enough to make the decision.”
(smk)
Florian Schimak reports from Säbener Straße