Champions League
Fuss about Boateng: Tuchel promotes “deserving player”
Will Jérôme Boateng wear the Bayern jersey again soon? photo
© Tom Weller/dpa
In Copenhagen, FC Bayern wants to take the next step in the Champions League group. The return campaign of a former world champion is not just about sporting aspects.
And the debate about the return of the 2014 world champion to the German football series champions, which was seriously considered by FC Bayern but not only worth discussing for sporting reasons, is also following the Munich record hunters on their first away trip of this Champions League season.
It’s not just about the footballer Boateng, but also about the private citizen. And the private Jérôme Boateng has recently also faced court proceedings and serious allegations of violent attacks on his ex-girlfriend. However, the Bavarian Supreme Court recently overturned Boateng’s conviction “in its entirety” due to blatant legal errors. The process is being reopened.
Bayern face strong opponents
“The presumption of innocence applies when proceedings are suspended. Because that is the case, we as a football club have the right to make football decisions,” said Tuchel, promoting Bayern’s approach on Monday evening. The Bayern coach said it simply had to be possible to let “a deserving player” train with us: “The doors are always open.”
At FC Copenhagen, regardless of all the Boateng debates, Bayern want to successfully continue their record series of 35 group games without defeat with the in-form Leroy Sané, who is scheduled to make his 50th appearance in Europe’s premier class on Tuesday (9 p.m./Amazon Prime). After the wild 4-3 start against Manchester United, the next step towards the interim goal of the round of 16 should be successful. “We have to concentrate on doing our job for 90 minutes,” warned national player Joshua Kimmich.
At the Parken Stadium, Tuchel’s ensemble, which is struggling for consistency and dominance in the Bundesliga, will face very strong opponents at home and a pitch that is battered after a concert. On Monday it also rained intermittently. In this respect, Tuchel was “glad” to have scheduled the final training session at the venue this time. The practical test should prepare Sané, Kane and Co. well. You have to “swallow and accept” the conditions, said Tuchel. “If necessary, we will adapt our style of play,” he announced.
Boateng decision this week
Meanwhile, training guest Boateng continues to toil in Munich. The 35-year-old could – because he has no club – suddenly return as an emergency aid two years after his not exactly quiet departure from Munich. Sports director Christoph Freund announced a prompt decision this week. “He will also be training at Säbener Straße for the next two or three days. And then we will have another conversation with him. And then we will see what the best decision can be for everyone involved.”
Freund also referred to the club’s stance on the presumption of innocence. “Our approach is what’s best for FC Bayern in terms of sport.” Boateng’s “private story” is “not a big issue for us.” Boateng, who recently only appeared sporadically for Olympique Lyon, could alleviate the shortage in the central defender position that he caused himself during the summer transfer period. Matthijs de Ligt is also missing in Copenhagen due to injury. There are currently two special forces available in Dayot Upamecano and Minjae Kim.
“We have seen that we are rather thinly positioned there,” said Freund. Boateng is available – and he knows FC Bayern. “It would be his role to support the team as a back-up and – if necessary – he could then step in.” However, this would no longer be possible in the Champions League during the group phase.
Boateng’s court case could of course accompany his second job at Bayern. There are Bayern fans who are more critical of Boateng’s private matter. Tuchel said that so far he had “not noticed that this was causing unrest in the club and the team”.