Emmanuel Thomas, DPA, Friday, May 19, 2023
MUNICH – Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel would be happy to celebrate a possible record-extending 11th Bundesliga title for the Bavarians from his couch depending on the weekend results.
Bayern welcome RB Leipzig on Saturday and will go four points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund with a win. A Dortmund defeat at Augsburg on Sunday would seal the title for the German record champions with a game to spare.
“I would have no problem with that at all,” Tuchel said about possibly celebrating his first-ever Bundesliga title from the couch. “As long as we win it.”
Tuchel, however, stressed that they have to focus on Leipzig first.
“It won’t be easy. We need to focus on our own tasks. We’ve got a tough opponent coming up. We want to put in a good performance and get the win tomorrow,” he said.
Left back Alphonso Davies and forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting are out of the game, as well as long-term injured defender Lucas Hernández and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Keeper Yann Sommer, who was suffering from a stomach bug and reportedly missed Thursday’s training session, is fit to play.
Bayern on Friday received a very special visit from their former player Arjen Robben. Tuchel said “it was great to have him here” and joked: “I tried to convince him to play tomorrow.”
“His mental strength, his hunger and at the same time his modesty are simply impressive. He’s very welcome (at Bayern). Every athlete can take a page out of Arjen Robben’s book.”
