Unnoticed Strength of Tuchel and Müller's Magic
Bayern's rocky year saw some unexpected stability, thanks to an underappreciated force: Thomas Tuchel's unique coaching style and the ageless Thomas Müller.
Looking at Bayern's rocky year, one can hardly find a better personification of the club's rollercoaster journey than the 34-year-old Thomas Müller. When Bayern is doing well, it's often due to Müller's contributions, a truth that held even as other factors took precedence. "If Müller is doing well, then Bayern is also doing well" - this was Louis van Gaal's famous mantra. And even though van Gaal is long gone, Müller's presence at Munich remains.
In the midst of this, a new force emerged: Thomas Tuchel. Unlike van Gaal, Tuchel showed a different approach to Müller, choosing frequently not to start him. This unconventional move didn't sit well with the media, sparking speculation and potential storms. But Tuchel handled it with grace, never truly revealing his intentions to the public, only occasionally hinting at his dissatisfaction with his coach.
Tuchel's Turbulent Summer
When the Bosses called Tuchel back, they were fed up with the constant complaints about the squad's thinness. Even Hoeneß reached out from Tegernsee to express his displeasure, but Tuchel was given the freedom to manage the team without interference. He took small steps to make the team more resilient and well-balanced, focusing on the big picture instead of dwelling on individual concerns.
When he favored Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting instead of Müller, the tension escalated. The situation could have blown up, but Tuchel kept his cool. He seemed to get the best out of his players without worrying about any public debates. Instead, he focused on maintaining control over the team, ensuring that no small fires escalated into all-out blazes.
Silencing the Noise
Under the leadership of Julian Nagelsmann, who was forced out due to unexpected circumstances, tensions remained off the pitch. The "Larifari Leroy Sané" scandal, the fashion show debacle, and Manuel Neuer's dismissal of goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic were just a few examples of the chaos that unfolded around the team.
Tuchel took charge and managed to tame the wild, making the team quieter and more cohesive. He kept the dressing room under control, working tirelessly to maintain a positive atmosphere that the team could rally around.
Innovative Coaching and Müller's Impact
Tuchel's coaching style had its strengths and weaknesses. On one hand, his tactical flexibility and ability to bring out the best in his players were commendable. On the other hand, his demanding nature and tendency to put too much pressure on the team sometimes led to conflicts and disappointing results.
Müller, a versatile and talented player with a knack for critical moments, remained an essential piece of the puzzle under Tuchel. Although he saw less playing time than before, his contributions were significant in key moments, earning him an extension to 2025 against all odds.
As the new year approached, Bayern found themselves in a quieter and more stable state than expected. Commanding victories against tough opponents, including Manchester United and VfB Stuttgart, illustrate the positive impact of Tuchel's innovative coaching approach and Müller's undying loyalty to the team.
While some experts criticized Bayern's performances during this period, particularly citing setbacks and inconsistencies, it cannot be denied that Müller and Tuchel remain vital elements in the team's success. Be it in moments of crisis or triumph, their impact on Bayern's season cannot be overstated.
To Go Deeper:
Insight:
- Tuchel's coaching style, typically characterized by tactical flexibility and demand, sometimes led to conflicting dynamics with players and staff. However, his innovative approach and ability to tame chaos within the team played a significant role in Bayern's stability during a challenging year. Müller's versatility and impact were also key factors, making him an essential player in the team's overall success.
