Thomas Tuchel says he isn't the only problem at Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel, who will be departing the club at the end of the 2023-24 season, said on Friday that he isn't the only problem for the Bundesliga giants.

Tuchel was appointed as Bayern's boss in March 2023 to succeed Julian Nagelsmann. Though Tuchel helped the club win their 11th straight Bundesliga title last season, it was a very close contest between them and Borussia Dortmund, who were held 2-2 by Mainz in the final game. Moreover, Bayern were eliminated by Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals under Tuchel during the 2022-23 campaign.

Tuchel had more time to build coordination with Bayern during the offseason, and the club spent 95 million euros acquiring England's ace striker Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur in August 2023. Nonetheless, the German heavyweights have struggled even more this season. They are currently 11 points behind Bundesliga leaders Leverkusen after suffering two consecutive losses in the league, one to Leverkusen 3-0 and the other to VfL Bochum 3-2.

Bayern underperformed in the Champions League too, as they were beaten by Lazio 1-0 in the first-leg game of the round of 16. The top office understandably decided to part ways with Tuchel after this season.

"It does not matter if I understand the decision of the club or whether I am happy with it," Tuchel said at a press conference. "The only thing that matters now is that there is clarity. Clarity brings freedom, and it is good for the matches and the training."

"More freedom for the coach on how to act. You don't have to think about long-term consequences of your choices," he added. "You can be a bit more reckless."

Bayern will host RB Leipzig at home on Saturday. The last time the two teams met, they had a 2-2 draw in October. Bayern can't afford any result but a win this time if they want to stay in the title race. A victory will trim their deficit with Leverkusen to eight points.

"I never felt that we, as coaching staff, stopped reaching the team," Tuchel said. "But we have a discrepancy from training to matches, and the coach is responsible. I don't think I am the only problem, but I accept my responsibility. I am not satisfied with the way we play and have been unhappy for quite some time."