Bayern Munich release statement over Thomas Tuchel comments following Barcelona links

Bayern Munich has done its best to shut down speculation that their manager, Thomas Tuchel, could be interested in leaving them for Barcelona at the end of the season. After being asked about the country at a fan event, the German coach commented on the Spanish league; Ruairidh Barlow reports for Football Espana.

Tuchel told the press and fans at the event that La Liga was an ‘extraordinary league’ and that the idea of moving abroad still attracted him, having had spells in England and France. Less than 24 hours after Xavi Hernandez had announced his impending departure, many people put two and two together. Bayern Munich have released the following statement in response.

“On Sunday, as part of a visit to a fan club, the fans asked our coach Thomas Tuchel about his coaching career and his previous experiences abroad, at PSG and Chelsea FC, and, of course, he gave information about it in the conversation. He also answered general questions from fans about Spain as a football country. As was later falsely stated, he never spoke about Xavi Hernandez and his successor. We will no longer accept unobjective statements against our coach that always come from the same place.”

While Bayern’s stance is understandable, at the very least, Tuchel’s comments were imprudent, if perhaps innocent. Having worked at PSG, Chelsea, and now Bayern, he will be more than aware of the necessary care to take with his words in public.