Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller break silence on claims that they pushed for Thomas Tuchel to stay at Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich veterans Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller have denounced the claims that they tried to convince manager Thomas Tuchel to stay at the club. Tuchel, who joined the Bavarians in 2023, has now left following the season's conclusion.
Bayern Munich underwent a tumultuous season under the management of former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel. The German outfit lost the Bundesliga after winning 11 on the trot and faltered to Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final.
Following these setbacks, Bayern Munich announced that Tuchel would leave his position at the conclusion of the season. Reports suggested that the club had attempted to retain Tuchel after being turned down by potential successors Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann, and Ralf Rangnick.
Further speculation from Sky Sports indicated that senior players, including Thomas Müller, Harry Kane, and Leroy Sane, had tried to convince Tuchel to reconsider his departure.
In response to these reports, Neuer and Müller have categorically denied any involvement. Speaking to BILD after Bayern's final game of the season — a surprising 4-2 defeat to Hoffenheim that saw the team finish third in the league —Neuer was unequivocal.
"No, you can’t say that. It's always spoken every day... The reports were completely wrong. Thomas and I didn’t go to the trainer. I am very satisfied with the way he worked with us. I also thought that it could have continued. But it is not in our hands to say anything for Thomas Tuchel and his coaching team. All I can say is that they put everything into it and made the right preparations for the respective games," the goalkeeper said (via GOAL).
Thomas Müller echoed these sentiments, distancing himself from any suggestions that he was involved in influencing the club's decision.
"I cannot confirm that I was on the board," Müller stated.
What did Thomas Tuchel say about his potential renewal with Bayern Munich?
Thomas Tuchel, addressing his departure, also provided insight into his decision not to renew his contract. Speaking to Sky Germany, Tuchel explained:
"My decision to not renew? From Wednesday, he [Max Eberl] knew it. We talked everything through again. But no agreement was reached. What was the reason for not renewing? It stays behind closed doors."
Manuel Neuer meanwhile emphasized the positive atmosphere within the team and his belief that Tuchel’s strategies could have succeeded in the following season. He further added:
"I think we had positive energy in the team and it would have worked well in the new season. Basically, the decision was made by the club and coaching team."