During the test against Basel it became clear: There is still a lot to do for Thomas Tuchel at FC Bayern Munich. The coach was not at all happy that the promised winter reinforcements were still a long time coming.
Even after the only test run before the continuation of the Bundesliga season, the wait for successful transfer activities was the most exciting topic at FC Bayern Munich. After the 1-1 draw in the test at FC Basel, in which the 18-year-old Noel Aseko equalized for the German record champions, Tuchel and sports director Christoph Freund expressed themselves more or less clearly on the topic.
Tuchel on winter transfers: “The schedule is already exceeded”
Tuchel initially expressed some pique in view of the tight defense: “The schedule has already been exceeded. The wish was January 2nd!” Sounded like the 50-year-old wasn’t exactly happy. That’s why he assured in the same breath that both the club and he were still relaxed. “Because I know how difficult it is in winter. The winter transfer phase is complicated, a lot of good clubs in the Champions League have their own goals. We’re looking at a level that helps us. That’s why it’s very difficult.”
Against Basel, Tuchel had to improvise again in defense due to the absence of Min-Jae Kim (Asian Cup) or the ailing Konrad Laimer (knee problems). Joshua Kimmich acted as right full-back, while his national team colleague Leon Goretzka once again helped out in the undermanned central defense in the second half.
No comment on Tottenham’s Eric Dier
When it came to candidate Eric Dier (29) from Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, who was hotly discussed in the media, Tuchel and sports director Christoph Freund avoided specific statements. “It sounds English,” says Tuchel evasively. Friend uttered a standard sentence: “We do not participate in speculation.” It is a fact that we are in contact with some players and discussions are being held. But no deadline had been set, said Freund. The transfer period runs throughout January.
According to media reports, the English national defender Dier, once a club colleague of star striker Harry Kane, could be a solution. The transfer fee under discussion is less than five million euros. Dier’s contract with Tottenham expires at the end of the season.
Requirements profile: Defensive and flexible
Whether he would really be a big help is questionable given the lack of playing time at Spurs this season. Dier was not in the London squad for Tottenham’s FA Cup game against Burnley FC on Friday evening. Coach Ange Postecoglou cited an unspecified injury after the game. “I have no idea,” the 58-year-old also remarked about the transfer speculation surrounding Dier.
Tuchel’s priority is no longer the defensive midfield. “We need someone who could help out on the right and who can perhaps be used flexibly,” he said in Basel.
League leadership and relegation battle, current fixtures, results and live ticker, top scorer lists, mileage and tackle statistics and much more: Football in the BR24Sport results center.
Source: BR24Sport on the radio January 7th, 2024 – 3:15 p.m
