Monday, 5 June, 2023
E-paper

Bayern hope immediate impact in hiring Tuchel

Bayern Munich's shock decision to fire Julian Nagelsmann for Thomas Tuchel was made squarely with Borussia Dortmund, their opponents on Saturday, in mind.

Dortmund head to Munich one point clear of Bayern, with the visitors' former manager Tuchel making his debut in the Bayern dugout. After punching above his weight at Mainz, Tuchel made his name as a top-level coach at Dortmund, following the path of his predecessor JurgenKlopp.

Despite being Dortmund's best coach in the post-Klopp era, Tuchel's prickly nature and penchant for sparring with club bosses saw him out the door. Dortmund Sporting Director Sebastian Kehl on Tuesday doubted the appointment would have much of an impact, telling German media "It's not a game against Thomas Tuchel".

Pushing for their 11th straight Bundesliga title, Bayern will hope Tuchel's record of having an immediate impact will ring true in the Bavarian capital, starting with a win over their rivals and a return to the Bundesliga summit.