Start of training at FC Bayern
Thomas Tuchel needs a good friend now
January 2, 2024, 1:25 p.m
FC Bayern starts the new year with a public training session. There is a lot to do for the people of Munich in January. The record champions have to attack from second place in the table with a squad that was recently in the “red zone”. Coach Thomas Tuchel needs reinforcements, and there are none in sight yet.
Thomas Tuchel didn’t have too high expectations for himself. “No sugar, exercise every day,” the Bayern Munich coach replied when asked about his New Year’s resolutions, and he added with a grin: “Everything will be broken by January 2nd at the latest.” Tuchel did not make a direct connection with the start of Munich’s training – but it is at least not ruled out that he might reach for something sweet in the coming weeks when he is stressed.
After all, the record champions are facing an eventful January. With the start of training, the tight schedule of everyday life comes back into focus for the professionals around Harry Kane and Thomas Müller after almost two weeks of Christmas vacation. For the management team around sports director Christoph Freund, however, behind the scenes it is about putting Tuchel together a capable squad for the hot phase of the season. To put it bluntly, Tuchel needs a good friend.
It became clear once again at the end of last year that it was too thin for Munich’s ambitious goals. After the absences of Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka, Tuchel had to improvise more than ever in the last two games. Despite the convincing performances of youngsters Aleksandar Pavlovic and Raphaël Guerreiro, the 50-year-old saw his team “in the red zone”.
Two defenders are missing in the first few weeks
According to reports, at least one defender should relax the personnel situation a little – ideally one who can defend both on the inside and on the right wing. They are also probably still looking for a defensive midfielder (Joao Palhinha?) on Säbener Straße. But defense is the priority – also because of the continental tournaments in Asia and Africa.
Min-Jae Kim, who was placed in the defensive center in the first half of the season, and right-back Noussair Mazraoui, who is currently injured, will be missing until mid-February in the “worst” case and therefore for up to six games, including the summit meeting at Bayer 04. This means that two positions are vacant for an indefinite period of time – which is why Bayern are forced to act, especially with a view to the championship fight with Bayer Leverkusen. The record champions are currently four points behind the team of super coach Xabi Alonso with one game less.
But the people of Munich don’t have much time left. The record champions will travel to FC Basel for a dress rehearsal on January 6th, and on the 12th they will host TSG Hoffenheim in the first competitive game of 2024 to end the first half of the season. By then there should be more clarity. Bayern want to finally prepare for the second half of the season in a short training camp in Faro, Portugal (January 14th to 18th). In the end, there will still be a long way to go in the Champions League, but in January the focus will initially be entirely on the league.
The Munich team ends the first month of the new year with three games in seven days, including the catch-up game against Union Berlin. In view of this program, Tuchel would also like to see reinforcements as quickly as possible – otherwise the abstinence from sugar will not work.