Tuchel laments 'big step backwards' after Bayern draw with Hoffenheim

By Sports Desk April 15, 2023

Thomas Tuchel described Bayern Munich's 1-1 Bundesliga draw with Hoffenheim on Saturday as a "big step backwards".  

Benjamin Pavard had given the hosts an early lead at the Allianz Arena, yet Andrej Kramaric sealed a point for Hoffenheim with a wonderful free-kick in the 71st minute.

Despite the setback, Bayern still retain a two-point advantage at the Bundesliga summit after Borussia Dortmund could only draw 3-3 with 10-man Stuttgart.

The result follows the heavy defeat to Manchester City in their Champions League quarter-final first leg in midweek, and Tuchel was left frustrated at his side's inability to get fans back onside ahead of the second leg on Wednesday.

"We didn't have enough speed, too few changes of pace, and we made mistakes," he said.

"We didn't get any security in. We started to defend carelessly. The display today was not enough; it was a disappointment for me. We have a lot of room for improvement today.

"It's extremely amazing because I felt the energy in the training, but it wasn't there on the field.

"We have to process it first, but it's definitely a big step backwards. Today was the moment to inspire fire and confidence. We didn't succeed at all.

"It's going to be difficult on Wednesday anyway [in the second leg against City], it's not going to get any easier now.

"We missed an opportunity to put ourselves and the fans in the mood to believe in it at all."

Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich endured a frustrating game, losing possession a team-high 16 times, and was at a loss to explain why Bayern struggled so much.

"Today was an absolutely bad performance from us, we know that," he said.

"After a 3-0 defeat you would actually think that you want to show a reaction. Especially in the Bundesliga, where it's very tight and where we need every point.

"I can't explain why we put in such a performance on the pitch today. It's lack of concentration, recklessness, we're not really there. We played without energy and then you can't win either.

"We all know that we need a completely different performance against City. We know we can do it too, but we have to put it on the pitch."

Related items

  • Casemiro hits back at critics over Man Utd performances Casemiro hits back at critics over Man Utd performances

    Casemiro has hit back at the "disrespectful" critics over comments made about his recent Manchester United performances.

    The Red Devils have come under pressure for a poor run of form in recent weeks, with Casemiro one of the players singled out, in particular for his performance in the 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.

    Casemiro enjoyed a successful first campaign with United, finishing third and lifting the EFL Cup, but the club are currently in danger of suffering their lowest-ever Premier League finish in eighth place.

    "I was considered one of the best signings of the Premier League last season, and now I'm not worth anything anymore?" Casemiro told Sky Sports.

    "The criticism is disrespectful. So, when it's lacking respect, then it's worrying, and I don't have to respect that either."

    Casemiro was also recently left out of Dorival Junior’s Brazil squad for this year’s Copa America.

    United finish their Premier League season away at Brighton on Sunday before facing Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 25.

  • Chelsea players must set ego aside or 'situation will hardly change', Silva warns Chelsea players must set ego aside or 'situation will hardly change', Silva warns

    The departing Thiago Silva warned Chelsea's players to set their egos aside, or their "situation will hardly change" next season.

    Silva, who will return to hometown club Fluminense in the close season, is gearing up for his final appearance for the Blues after four years at Stamford Bridge, where they host Bournemouth on the final day of the 2023-24 campaign.

    A draw would be enough for sixth-place Chelsea to secure a return to European football next season, while they could still overtake Tottenham in fifth with a win and Spurs losing to bottom side Sheffield United.

    But despite a positive end to the campaign, during which they have won four successive games and lost just one of their last 14, Mauricio Pochettino's side are a whopping 28 points adrift of leaders Manchester City.

    Silva believes the club deserves better, having spent over £400 million on no fewer than 13 players over the past year, and has urged the squad to prioritise teamwork over their personal ambitions next term.

    "I hope [the players] understand that everything they did to get to Chelsea has to be worth it," he told Sky Sports. "Because the season we're having is not worthy of Chelsea. I think they need to do more next year.

    "These boys need to be aware that Chelsea has to fight for [for trophies] in the top positions. If we take a little of our ego and put it in favour of the team, I think it will work. If we don't do that, the situation will hardly change, unfortunately."

  • Guardiola: Foden can still get better after Player of the Year award Guardiola: Foden can still get better after Player of the Year award

    Pep Guardiola thinks Phil Foden can still get better, after the 23-year-old winning the Premier League’s Player of the Year.

    Foden has been a pivotal part of City’s title challenge this season, scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists in the top-flight in 2023-24.

    It is the youngster’s most prolific scoring season for City, while only six players have bettered Foden’s goal haul in the Premier League.

    When asked about the strides that Foden has made this season, leading him to the award, Guardiola praised the England international’s influence on the squad.

    "Obviously, he makes a step forward as a football player. In terms of minutes or time, but he's decisive in winning games," Guardiola said.

    "Maybe before it was a glimpse of action, but now it's consistent. That is the truth, but they still have a margin. Sometimes his game is overexcited, it's over, and you have to be more calm because his excitement he has for himself, but we'll have question of time, but this season has been really, really important. Really, really important."

    Foden has bettered his tally of 11 goals from last season and leads City’s squad for chances created this campaign with 68.

    "He's moving forward, but I had the feeling he can be better, and I think he can do it because I've said many times, that he loves football," Guardiola added.

    "He enjoys being on the pitch, and I think the feeling doesn't like when you have the day off.

    "He likes to be in the training session doing less or more and I had the feeling it still can be better."

    Manchester City can win a fourth-consecutive Premier League title on Sunday against West Ham, if they can match or better Arsenal's result.

© 2023 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.