Thomas Tuchel’s Public Transfer Demands Draw Criticism from Bayern Munich’s Uli Hoeneß
In an interview with German TV channel RTL, Uli Hoeneß, a board member at Bayern Munich and a prominent figure at the club, expressed his disapproval of Thomas Tuchel’s public calls for more transfers. Tuchel, who was able to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur last summer, had been seeking a defensive midfielder like João Palhinha, but the transfer didn’t materialize. Hoeneß believes that Tuchel’s public statements about the need for more transfers were ill-advised.
“Those statements are a gift for the media, especially for the tabloids,” remarked the 71-year-old, somewhat ironically feeding the media frenzy further.
“Several individuals, including the coach, made unwise statements—because I shouldn’t undermine my own team by suggesting our squad is too thin. When you consider the quality of the players we have on the bench every weekend, it’s clear we don’t have a thin squad.”
Both Hoeneß and Tuchel have valid points. Bayern Munich boasts strong options on the bench, with the ability to substitute players like Mathys Tel or Jamal Musiala. However, there are areas where the team is notably under-equipped, particularly in defense and midfield. With Dayot Upamecano sidelined due to injury and Matthijs de Ligt not fully fit, Tuchel may face defensive challenges when the international break concludes.
Publicly criticizing the coach in charge is rarely a positive development, especially when it comes from such an influential figure within the club. Tuchel has previously had disagreements with management at several of his past jobs, including Mainz 05, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea FC. The question now arises as to whether history is repeating itself.