Tuchel, known for his short and abrasive temperament, hit back at critics and former German internationals, Didi Hamann and Lothar Matthaus. Matthaus had criticised Tuchel for rotating his side in Bayern’s embarrassing DFB-Pokal defeat to 3 Liga side Saarbrucken. Tuchel and Bayern responded; dispatching Dortmund and silencing the pundits.
At the beginning of the interview with Sky, Tuchel addressed Hamaan and Matthaus directly: “Even with the tensions between the team and the coach and the lack of improvement it was very surprising [to win 4-0]. If Lothar doesn’t know what happened then today, then maybe Didi does. I’m super happy with my team.”
When Matthaus asked to reply, Tuchel ended the interview: “You can say whatever you want, but I don’t want to be part of the discussion. Today we won 4-0, but now you have to do a 180-degree turn. Have fun!”
Bayern are second in the Bundesliga, two points off Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen. Having lost the German Supercup and been knocked out of the DFB-Pokal, the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League remain the only opportunities to win a trophy this season.
Bayern turn their attentions to the Champions League where victory against Galatasaray will see them qualify for the round of 16.
