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Thomas Tuchel exclusive: German boss plays down rumours he could stay at Bayern Munich ahead of Real Madrid second leg
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Published 08/05/2024 at 08:59 GMT+1
In an exclusive interview with TNT Sports, Thomas Tuchel has dismissed suggestions that he could remain as Bayern Munich boss next season, even if the Bavarians win the UEFA Champions League. The German, who is preparing his side for a semi-final second leg tie with Real Madrid on Wednesday, with the sides level at 2-2, also admits he loved his time in England having managed Chelsea in the past.
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Thomas Tuchel has played down suggestions he could remain at Bayern Munich in an exclusive interview with TNT Sports.
Bayern announced they were to part ways with Tuchel way back in February - one year early, with the German’s contact due to run until summer 2025.
The Bavarians are preparing for their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Wednesday against Real Madrid, with neither side carrying the advantage into the match after a 2-2 draw in the opening leg.
The winner will play Borussia Dortmund in June’s final, which could yet be Tuchel’s last match as manager of the German side.
But with a UEFA Champions League final appearance at Wembley still a possibility, could Tuchel be tempted to stay at Bayern – if the club were willing?
Asked where he will be next season, the German responded: “It’s very, very, very unlikely that it’s at Bayern, I have to say, because we have an agreement, there is at the moment no reason to doubt this agreement. We took this position, the initiative came from the club, and so it is and I’m fine with it.
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“I don’t need it for the extra percentage of competitiveness because I’m always up for a win, I’m always thinking how to improve the squad or how to improve myself in coaching.
"We go all in. Does it have an influence on where I am next season? Maybe not, maybe I’m on holiday no matter what, let’s see, let’s see.”
Could Tuchel return to the Premier League? He took Chelsea to the UEFA Champions League title in 2022, and he has always spoken well of his time at the club – albeit leaving in 2022 despite signing a contract extension that was supposed to keep him at the club until 2024.
“I’d rather not answer but it is no secret that I loved it at Chelsea, I loved it in England and I loved it in the Premier League for sure, it was a very, very special time and I remember it very well.”
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Should Bayern win and make it to Wembley, Tuchel would be just the second manager to take three different teams to the final of the UEFA Champions League. But first they must beat a strong Real Madrid side, who are fresh from securing the Spanish title.
“Unfortunately, it is our last chance to win a title but I don’t think that makes us more hungry, this competition is a beautiful competition, it is the most beautiful, the most difficult," he said.
“Once you are in the semi-final and you arrive in the second leg you have a job, so the things are very clear, you are one step ahead. I think both teams go for it, all in.
“Both teams are focused. We have to be focused and fully switched on.”
Tuchel is very clear - the target and expectation is to make it to the final at Wembley. He isn't underestimating the challenge of winning in Spain at the Bernabeu tonight, but is backing his team as after that first leg draw: "everything is possible".
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