Bayern Munich Coach Tuchel Bids Farewell Amid Contract Dispute

Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel announced his departure from the club at the end of the season, citing inability to agree on terms to stay. After three consecutive losses in February left Bayern Munich eight points behind Bayer Leverkusen, both parties agreed to part ways. However, Bayern’s semi-final run in the Champions League and their inability to find a replacement led officials to reconsider.

Despite discussions about continuing next season, Tuchel confirmed he will depart following Saturday’s final game against Hoffenheim. “We will stick to the agreement we made in February. Although we had talks, as reported, we couldn’t agree on terms,” Tuchel told reporters. He added that the team’s performance and camaraderie in the latter part of the season made him reconsider but ultimately an agreement couldn’t be reached.

Tuchel expressed sadness about leaving the team and staff, saying, “It’s very difficult. The longer the season went on and the more we experienced, especially the way we played against Arsenal and Real Madrid, it really brought us closer as a team. These past few weeks made me consider staying, but we couldn’t reach an agreement. I won’t discuss the details. It remains private.”

Leverkusen, coached by former Bayern player Xabi Alonso, broke Munich’s 11 years dominance by winning the Bundesliga title. Tuchel mentioned, “I’m a bit sad because I don’t want to leave the team and the staff. There are 60-70 people you see around the team each day. You really connect with those people and work with them closely. This is always tough and a bit sad.”

German media reported that Tuchel sought an extension until 2026 to stay. His original contract ran until 2025 before his departure was announced. The announcement led to an unsuccessful search for a new coach with several candidates including Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann and Ralf Rangnick, reportedly declining the position.

Tuchel announced Kane’s absence from Saturday’s match against Hoffenheim due to a back injury. Kane, receiving treatment outside Germany, was already doubtful for Bayern’s Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid. “Harry is with his personal doctor and won’t travel to Hoffenheim,” Tuchel stated. With 36 goals this season, Kane falls five short of breaking Robert Lewandowski’s single-season Bundesliga goal scoring record of 41.

Tuchel confirmed that Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala, Kim Min-jae, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, Raphael Guerreiro and Sacha Boey would miss the match. “It’s a pretty long list,” he remarked.