Bundesliga legend who once played for Bayern Munich, Lothar Matthaeus, said that last season Bayern was Thomas Tuchel’s single stage. Kompany is said to be able to restore the family spirit of Die Roten. This view was expressed by Lothar Matthaeus at the Bundesliga Media Round Table on Tuesday (20/8/2024).
Matthaeus did not deny that he was one of the people who was surprised by the appointment of Vincent Kompany as Bayern coach, replacing Thomas Tuchel. Before being appointed to coach Bayern, Kompany failed to prevent Burnley from being relegated to the 2023-2024 Premier League. However, compared to Tuchel, Matthaeus is sure that Kompany will be able to have a more positive effect on Bayern.
“The most important thing about being a Bayern coach is that you have to understand the club’s mentality,” said Matthaeus while quoting Bayern’s motto, Mia San Mia (We are who we are).
The Bayern environment is not considered the best place for Tuchel. Last season, Tuchel, who won the 2021 Champions League title with Chelsea, only brought Bayern to third place in the 2023-2024 Bundesliga. “In the last two seasons, Bayern Munich is not a family. Bayern is Thomas Tuchel’s one-man show. He is a good coach, but not for Bayern Munich,” said Matthaeus.
Matthaeus highlighted Tuchel’s habit of complaining in front of the media. His relationship with the players has also become strained. “Because, most of his statements contradict the players,” added Matthaeus.
Last season, Tuchel openly stated his need for a “new number 6” player. He also openly criticized the senior player, Thomas Mueller. Harmony in the Bayern dressing room was not created during Tuchel’s coaching era at Bayern.
Matthaeus said that Kompany’s presence could rekindle the Die Roten (Red) dressing room. “Thomas Tuchel is distant from the players and Kompany wants to change that. Because, Kompany told himself what Bayern Munich means,” said Matthaeus. “We are a family. This is what we have to live day by day, from the morning, on the field, also in the dressing room,” said Matthaeus, who during his playing days led Bayern to seven Bundesliga titles.