Outgoing Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel was arrogant in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals against Real Madrid.
The Bundesliga and La Liga giants face off on Tuesday with memories of the last four clashes at Europe’s elite festival in the past decade still fresh in the minds of many football fans.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of his side’s match against Eintracht Frankfurt at the end of the week, Tuchel, who will step down at the end of the season, took an ambitious inventory of the fitness of several players.
“Serge will be available on Tuesday,” he said of winger Serge Gnabry. “I think he’ll play and score. “
Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao, Nacho or Aurelien Tchouameni will all retire to prevent Gnabry from doing so, and Tuchel’s counterpart Carlo Ancelotti admitted he is still part of his central defence partnership after Los Blancos beat Real Sociedad 1-0 on Friday.
Speaking about one of his defenders, Tuchel said: “Dayot Upamecano unfortunately sprained his ankle in training. It’s very painful and it’s doubtful for tomorrow. We have to wait. “
Going forward, Bayern are “day by day” in Leroy Sané’s recovery.
“It’s a race unlike Tuesday. He trains individually. I can’t make a prediction at the moment,” Tuchel said.
Jamal Musiala “will start without pain” against Frankfurt, Tuchel confirmed, while praising “great physiotherapists”.
“He’s relaxed and he’s doing well. He’s a key player for us, no matter who the opponent is. “
As for Harry Kane, who many believe Madrid were chasing last summer following Karim Benzema’s departure to Saudi Arabia, Tuchel said his goalscoring record “is incredible”.
“His goals help us a lot. He’s got the whole package: not only does he score goals, he also provides assists and he’s a leader. He’s the captain of the England national team and we’re very pleased that he’s here. “
With Bayer Leverkusen sealing the Bundesliga earlier than expected, the Champions League name may necessarily save Bayern’s season.
Reaching the final at Wembley, where either Paris Saint-Germain or domestic rivals Borussia Dortmund await, will be straightforward, as record-winning Madrid will stand in the way.
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