Ahead of the Champions League group game at Galatasaray Istanbul, there is a tense personnel situation at FC Bayern.
In addition to the long-term injuries of Manuel Neuer, Serge Gnabry and Raphael Guerreiro, coach Thomas Tuchel also has to do without Dayot Upamecano and Leon Goretzka. Noussair Mazraoui is at least back in the squad – and, according to Tuchel, may even be able to take part.
The 50-year-old revealed at the official press conference on Tuesday evening how head coach Tuchel plans to replace the other missing players. Also there: defender Matthijs de Ligt, who spoke about his fitness and his partner Min-jae Kim. SPORT1 shows the PK for reading in the ticker.
+++ Tuchel over Galatasaray+++
“I am very impressed with how Gala is playing. We watched games, most recently the one against Fenerbahce. They do it at a high level, we need our highest level to win. The results speak for themselves, they beat Manchester United. It’s a very big club. They now play more attractively and faster than before.”
+++ Tuchel about Mazraoui post +++
“We spoke with him. He didn’t train alone as a punishment, but because he was injured. We delved very deeply into the topic. Our statement remains. He remains in the squad and he remains our player.”
+++ Tuchel over Goretzka +++
“The game is super important. The game is the date we can realistically aim for. He can do that. The championship won’t be won or lost, but that’s the time frame.”
+++ Tuchel over Icardi +++
“My last info is that he can’t play. But we are still prepared for anything. He’s a thoroughbred striker.”
+++ Tuchel about the volume in the stadium +++
“We haven’t measured the decibel number, but we’re not entirely sure. We know how intense the atmosphere is. We will feel this firsthand tomorrow. It will be extremely emotional.”
+++ Tuchel about the task +++
“The competition only works step by step. We want to get to the knockout phase, and for that you need a little luck. It will be a super difficult away game, we want to break their streak.”
+++ Tuchel about Mazraoui +++
“He was in individual training. We have now accelerated the regeneration process to the limit. We took a bit of a risk. Always in consultation with the player, of course. He feels good and that’s why he fully participated in the final training. If there is no reaction, I think he can play.”
+++ De Ligt about Neuer +++
“Of course we are happy that Manu will be back soon. He is one of the best goalkeepers in football history, that makes a big difference. He will help us with his experience.”
+++ De Ligt about his start to the season +++
On SPORT1-Question: “As a player, you always want to play. But a coach has to decide. My start to the season wasn’t that easy. I got the chance against Bochum. The injury was of course a shame. But now I’m fit again.”
+++ De Ligt about the small squad +++
“I can’t say anything about that, it’s not my job. There is no point in thinking or talking about it. That just costs energy.”
+++ De Ligt about the large number of goals conceded +++
“Of course there is always room for improvement. The teamwork can be even better, but we are a team that learns something every day. We have some new players like Kim. If we get used to everything, then we will concede fewer goals.”
+++ De Ligt about the opponent +++
“It will be a very difficult game. They have the fans who support the team. They have a lot of experience, so I expect a very difficult game.”
+++ De Ligt about his fitness +++
“I feel good. I’m not completely pain-free yet, but as a football player you always have a bit of pain. That is normal.”
+++ Tuchel speaks before the CL duel in Istanbul +++
Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel speaks about the tense personnel situation at the record champions before the Champions League game at Galatasaray Istanbul. It starts at 6:45 p.m.