Title: Hanging with Basti: Tuchel and Schweinsteiger's Chance Encounter
Thomas Tuchel, FC Bayern's current coach, isn't always enamored with TV pundits, but Bastian Schweinsteiger is an exception. The iconic midfielder turned pundit for the DFB Cup never fails to put a smile on Tuchel's face. "It was always a pleasure chatting with Basti when I was still coaching Mainz and he was a player at Bayern. We always managed to find five or ten minutes. It was always fun, because he's a joker and has a great sense of humor," revealed Tuchel ahead of FC Bayern's Bundesliga clash against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Recently, the two old pals shared a delightful meal in a posh Munich hotel bar. Coincidence brought them together during the international break. "We just had dinner and a drink. It's just fun, it's very friendly, it has nothing to do with his work as a TV pundit," Tuchel clarified. The 39-year-old Schweinsteiger was a youth player and professional for FC Bayern from 1998 to 2015, winning practically every title - with the highlight being the treble in 2013.
"I really appreciate Basti. He seems incredibly content and at peace with himself. That's why it's always a pleasure to talk to him," shared the 50-year-old Tuchel. Tuchel didn't disclose many details about their conversation, only surprising his fans with one tidbit: "It's almost entirely unrelated to FC Bayern."
A win in Frankfurt on Saturday would secure Bayern a brief stint at the top of the table. Bayer Leverkusen can then challenge their position with a victory against VfB Stuttgart on Sunday.
As for Tuchel and Schweinsteiger, their camaraderie transcends their professional lives, extending beyond their shared history with Bayern. Despite Schweinsteiger supporting Mainz and Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga and Bayern's recent exit from the DFB Cup, the two remain close friends.
Enrichment Insights
Tuchel and Schweinsteiger's history in the world of German football is deeply rooted. Tuchel, having managed prominent clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, has garnered a reputation as an astute tactician who can adapt to different playstyles and teams.
Swiss-born Schweinsteiger, on the other hand, enjoyed a successful career as a central midfielder, excelling at clubs like Bayern Munich and Manchester United. He showcased his leadership and technical skills on the international stage, as a key member of the 2014 World Cup-winning German squad.
Their professional paths and shared experiences within the German football ecosystem establish a solid foundation for their close friendship. They likely appreciate each other's professional achievements and demeanor, fostering a respect that translates into a meaningful friendship.
