Title: Tuchel Steers Clear of Matthäus, Focused on Coaching Duties
Thomas Tuchel has no interest in engaging in a private conversation with record international Lothar Matthäus, days after their heated exchange on Sky TV. "I have enough on my plate in my job," the Bayern coach said, following the 4-0 victory at Borussia Dortmund on Saturday. He usually avoids meeting with television experts in private. When asked if he would be up for another round of gin and tonic with Matthäus, Tuchel replied: "Alcohol is off-limits during the season."
The tension between the two began weeks prior, after Bayern's cup exit at third-division club 1. FC Saarbrücken. Records international Matthäus and Dietmar Hamann criticized Tuchel's handling of Mathys Tel, a French winger, which irked the Bayern coach. The disagreement boiled over during their post-match interview, where Tuchel and Matthäus had a public verbal duel.
"I'm asked about Lothar Matthäus and Didi Hamann every week. I don't feel like standing in the middle and commenting. Today was the day to put an end to it," said Tuchel, demonstrating his disinterest in the ongoing saga. "At some point, it's enough. We've understood it. It's been enough."
Tuchel's focus remains on his coaching duties, as Bayern prepares for its next match against Mainz 05, while Dortmund faces RB Leipzig. A lingering dispute with Matthäus, along with Tel's continued struggle for playing time under new coach Vincent Kompany, suggests that the underlying issue is far from resolved.
Backstory:
The tension between Tuchel and Matthäus stems from Tuchel's minimal use of Mathys Tel during his tenure as Bayern's manager, owing to only six starts in the Bundesliga. Matthäus, who perceived it as a "slap in the face," voiced his disappointment in an interview with Abendzeitung Munich, raising concerns about Tel's continued struggle for playing time under Kompany.
Sources: and Enrichment Data (as applicable)
