Press reviews of the top game
“Thomas Tuchel faces difficult days and weeks”
Xabi Alonso’s Werkself (left) clearly defeated FC Bayern 3-0 on Saturday evening
© Martin Meissner / Picture Alliance
After the defeat in the top game, FC Bayern is on the verge of losing its first German championship in twelve years. This is what the national and international press wrote about the defeat against Leverkusen
FC Bayern Munich had to admit defeat 3-0 against league leaders Leverkusen in the top game of matchday 21. The championship is now a long way off. Many are to blame for the debacle Press comments on the personnel and tactical changes made by coach Thomas Tuchel. His counterpart Xabi Alonso, however, is fired for his consistently good work.
Kicker: “Without ideas, without energy, helpless: FC Bayern presented a frightening picture when they lost 3-0 in the top game at Bayer Leverkusen, and the changing of the guard in German football was becoming apparent. Coach Thomas Tuchel’s plans backfired, but he was not the only one to blame. “
Southgerman newspaper: “In Leverkusen’s 3-0 win against FC Bayern, there is a world of difference between challenger and champion. The game will leave its mark in Munich and spark debates.”
Augsburger Allgemeine: “It smells like a preliminary decision – and Tuchel also played his part in that.”
Evening newspaper Munich: “Thomas Tuchel has difficult days and weeks ahead of him, but this 3-0 loss in Leverkusen was too devastating from Bayern’s perspective, too unmasking. In all respects, in terms of tactics and personnel.”
Munich Mercury: “Not only are the record champions now five points behind the Werkself in the championship race, but they also have to question their play in a top game after one of the weakest performances in recent years.”
Sports show: “Bayer Leverkusen could become German champions, that’s thanks to coach Xabi Alonso. They’re watching with envy at FC Bayern.”
“Xabi Alonso won the duel between the coaches.”
Rheinische Post: “The record champions are always there in top games, they say, but Bayer 04 Leverkusen were tactically cleverer, more united in terms of teamwork and more variable in terms of play in the 3-0 win against Bayern Munich. Xabi Alonso won the duel between the coaches against Thomas Tuchel.”
Cologne City Gazette: “Bayer Leverkusen has taken a huge step towards the first championship in the club’s history. While the home team delivered a passionate and strong performance, the guests were disappointing across the board.”
The Athletic: “Bayern’s head coach Thomas Tuchel had described the game in advance with the words “pants down, cards on the table”. But instead of the show the giants had hoped for, Saturday’s revelation was a truly sad sight.”
The Guardian: “This was not just a defeat but a humiliation, not just three important points in the title race but an attack on Bayern’s entire identity. Bayern were outclassed by a faster, hungrier and more creative Bayer Leverkusen.”
Marca: “Nothing can stop Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen. Not even Bayern Munich.”