Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel (50) is at the press conference before the classic between the German record champions and Borussia Dortmund (Saturday, 6.30 p.m. / Sky and here in the live ticker) went on the offensive.
The Bayern coach was asked about a report from Spain that said he had no relationship with winter newcomer Bryan Zaragoza and had never spoken to him. But the coach clearly denies that!
Tuchel made it clear: “I don’t even know if it’s worth answering that. I would say with a certain degree of modesty that I was not uninvolved in the decision to sign for Bayern in the first place. That doesn’t work without a relationship and without conversations.”
But Tuchel adds: “I was there with Christoph Freund (Bayern sports director, d. Red) at the last and decisive conversation in Munich. Neither of us can speak Spanish. That’s why his advisor was the interpreter. But we built enough of a connection through looks, gestures and emotions to get the boy signed with us in the summer of 2024.”
After several injuries and personnel concerns, Bayern officials preferred the Zaragoza deal and signed the Spaniard last winter.
And Zaragoza’s start in Munich was anything but easy. “We took him away from his usual environment and his German lessons. Our meetings take place in German and English, with an interpreter. Nico Mayer is the exclusive interpreter for Bryan. That’s why he’s the main contact for Bryan. If that’s the background to the report, then that’s true. But the fact that I don’t have a relationship with him or don’t talk to him is total nonsense,” explains Tuchel.
You can read more statements from the press conference here in the BILD live ticker.
March 29, 2024 – 12:43 p.m
Tuchel surprised by Alonso decision?
Tuchel: “Let’s wait and see if that’s true. This is Xabi’s decision. He makes those decisions for himself. There’s no point in me commenting on this.”
March 29, 2024 – 12:39 p.m
Tuchel on his relationship with Zaragoza
Does Tuchel have no relationship with winter newcomer Bryan Zaragoza and has never spoken to him?
The Bayern coach made it clear: “I don’t even know if it’s worth answering that. I would say with a certain degree of modesty that I was not uninvolved in the decision to sign for Bayern in the first place. That doesn’t work without a relationship and without conversations.”
And further: “I was there with Christoph Freund (Bayern sports director, editor) at the last and decisive conversation in Munich. Neither of us can speak Spanish. That’s why his advisor was the interpreter. But we built enough of a connection through looks, gestures and emotions to get the boy signed with us in the summer of 2024.”
Tuchel concluded: “We took him away from his usual environment and his German lessons. Our meetings take place in German and English, with an interpreter. Nico Mayer is the exclusive interpreter for Bryan. That’s why he’s the main contact for Bryan. If that’s the background to the report, then that’s true. But the fact that I don’t have a relationship with him or don’t talk to him is complete nonsense.”
No reinforcements yet: Bayern reservist Bryan Zaragoza
Photo: Dennis Brosda
March 29, 2024 – 12:37 p.m
The international break annoys Tuchel
Tuchel: “The international break in March always comes at a bad time. Because you are preparing for the end of the season. Of course we’ll get the team together. Everyone is fighting to be on the pitch in the crucial weeks. We want to see that. We now have to show what we’re made of.”
March 29, 2024 – 12:35 p.m
Harry Kane fit!
But there’s more good news: Tuchel confirms that the recently injured top scorer Harry Kane can play against BVB on Saturday.
March 29, 2024 – 12:33 p.m
New-Out!
Maunel Neuer will not be able to play against BVB. Tuchel: “Unfortunately Manu is out.”
March 29, 2024 – 12:29 p.m
It’s starting!
Tuchel sat on the podium next to press spokesman Dieter Nickles. He will answer journalists’ questions shortly.
March 29, 2024 – 12:28 p.m
Different classic than usual?
Tuchel: “We can’t change the table, but we can win the classic. It will be an emotional, charged, important game with a great history.”
March 29, 2024 – 12:12 p.m
Alonso decision made
March 29, 2024 – 12:10 p.m
Welcome!
Bayern Munich’s press conference with coach Thomas Tuchel (50) before the home game against BVB begins at 12.30 p.m.
You won’t miss anything in the BILD live ticker!
