After the 2-0 debacle against Borussia Dortmund, Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel must now decide what tactical measures he will take to get his team back on track. One change is likely to be in Munich’s central defence. In future, Matthijs de Ligt and Eric Dier will probably no longer permanently occupy the centre of defence.
As Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel announced at the press conference ahead of the away match against 1. FC Heidenheim, changes are to be expected in the centre of defence in the future. „The manner and the result were the starting signal that the cards will be reshuffled. The decision for tomorrow has not yet been made,“ said the 50-year-old, referring to the disappointing performance against BVB.
„We have four strong centre-backs, we will decide from game to game who plays,“ continued Tuchel. In the past, the coach has relied on a consistent line-up at centre-back for the German record champions. In the last six games, Tuchel has started the duo of De Ligt and Dier five times. Prior to that, Minjae Kim and Dayot Upamecano held the upper hand in the competitive Munich defence for a long time.
More rotation in central defence
However, Tuchel will now no longer rely on which duo is well-rehearsed in the final sprint, but will assess them strictly according to performance. Despite this statement, De Ligt should continue to expect a permanent role in the Bayern defence. „I’m very happy with Matthijs de Ligt’s performances in recent weeks, he was also on the pitch on Saturday,“ praised Tuchel personally.
The Bayern coach’s rethink is a reaction to Munich’s poor defensive performance against Borussia Dortmund. The defenders of the German record champions often acted passively in the top match and were therefore at fault for the two goals they conceded. Thomas Tuchel left it open at the press conference as to who will start in the centre of defence against Heidenheim on Saturday.
