When it came to the annoying topic of Uli Hoeneß, Thomas Tuchel meaningfully tapped his forehead with both index fingers before the biggest games as Bayern coach and then replied with a cool smile: "Real Madrid! There is only Real Madrid!" Before the first round of the giants' semi-final against the Spanish Champions League specialists led by Toni Kroos, all thoughts in the head of the 50-year-old Tuchel - and also the Munich football professionals - revolve around how the longed-for final dream can become a reality.
“We want to get it over the line and reach our big goal: Wembley!” Tuchel announced before the first leg this Tuesday (9 p.m.). He knows that an advance to the final on June 1st in London against Borussia Dortmund or Paris Saint-Germain would put his creative time in Munich in a completely different light. Tuchel would be on top as premier class champion - and not coach critic Hoeneß. “It would compensate for a lot,” admitted Tuchel after 13 difficult months at Bayern marked by bitter defeats, if a happy ending remained possible.
"Against the Real Myth"
Lazio Rome, Arsenal FC, Real Madrid - Bayern's arduous journey to Wembley has reached its pinnacle. "Of course, you're playing against Real against experience, against the jersey, against the myth," said Tuchel solemnly about the record winner. Joshua Kimmich expressed his admiration for his opponents: Real often advance in the Champions League "even if they weren't the better team." The national player was already burning inside more than 30 hours before kick-off: "I'm extremely happy. It's a great feeling to play a semi-final against Real."
Hoeneß's complaints about the inadequate development of young players under Tuchel and the wait for the new coaching candidate Ralf Rangnick to be confirmed should be pushed into the background during the crucial semi-final days. “We noticed the fire, but for us the two games against Real count,” said Kimmich about the distracting Hoeneß-Tuchel argument.
Tuchel's noise appeal to the Munich audience
Tuchel is looking for tactical solutions and the right personnel to win the coaching duel with “the legend Carlo Ancelotti”. "This feels like a final," he said of the first leg in the sold-out Allianz Arena, which is said to be buzzing. "We need an absolutely top atmosphere. There has to be a home advantage, the spectators have to breathe the game," was Tuchel's imploring appeal to the Munich fans.
He himself has to weigh up how much risk he is willing to take when fielding injured players. He expects "last-minute decisions" with key players Jamal Musiala (tendon irritation) and Leroy Sané (pubic bone). After all, both were present at the final training session in Munich on Monday afternoon in summer temperatures, as were the injured defenders Konrad Laimer and Dayot Upamcano. Things are looking unfavourable for Matthijs de Ligt, who did not train due to his knee injury. "My approach is to field the team like in a final," announced Tuchel. He will go "all in" for a home win, which should form the basis for reaching the final eight days later at the Bernabeu Stadium.
Star lineup: Kane, Musiala, Kroos, Bellingham, Vinícius Junior
Goal guarantor Harry Kane, young star Musiala or premier class veteran Manuel Neuer in goal should shape the Munich football evening and not the eternal Real King Kroos, Antonio Rüdiger, the former Dortmund Jew Bellingham or star striker Vinícius Junior, who Kimmich in particular has to stop. “He is one of the best dribblers and one-on-one players in Europe,” said Kimmich about the 23-year-old Brazilian.
Musiala's friend Bellingham (20) had once again filled the gap in Real's offensive game after Karim Benzema, Tuchel remarked appreciatively: "Jude plays in the ten, nine, eight and six positions in conjunction with one another. He is a key player."
And then there are the two Germans at Los Blancos, Kroos and Antonio Rüdiger. Goal machine Kane has to assert himself decisively against the latter. And at 34 years old, Kroos is still Real's leader and conductor. “Toni gives every team a certain level of security. He has a lot of successes under his belt,” praised Kimmich. Kroos won the pot five times with Bayern (2013) and Real (2016, 2017, 2018, 2022).
Finally “Bestia Negra” again?
“The whole football world is happy,” believes Manuel Neuer. The first in the all-time Champions League table (Real) meets the second (Bayern). Both clubs fought many legendary duels in Europe. In Madrid, Bayern were even considered the “Bestia Negra” for a long time. But since Munich's last semi-final triumph in 2012, its reputation as a "black beast" has suffered. Real always celebrated in the 2014 semi-finals, 2017 quarter-finals and 2018 semi-finals.
Nevertheless, Kimmich didn't want to talk about "a desire for revenge" because both teams have changed a lot in terms of personnel since then. It's all about the present, about the final in 2024. "We know that it's a hard road to get to Wembley," said Neuer.
