Champions League
Thomas Tuchel Says Bayern Munich Will Be Ready For Real Madrid In Champions League
In preparation for their home Champions League semi-final, first-leg match, Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel expressed confidence in his team’s readiness to face the exceptional talent of Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham.
The upcoming match on Tuesday between Real Madrid, who have won the Champions League 14 times, and Bayern Munich, who have clinched the title six times, marks the most frequently contested semi-final in the history of the competition.
At just 20 years old, English midfielder Bellingham made the move to Real Madrid from Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund at the beginning of the season.
Bellingham has quickly emerged as one of Real Madrid’s key players and is now recognized as one of the top talents globally. Despite primarily featuring as a midfielder, he leads the team in league goals this season with an impressive tally of 17.
Tuchel said Bellingham was “a key player in a very offensive position” for the Spanish giants. “Jude is extraordinary. He was fantastic here in the Bundesliga, how he progressed shows the level of personality he has, it’s only possible with a huge personality”.
He continued “Everyone who plays for Madrid plays with the pressure of the shirt. He plays with the pressure to play with this club and all the expectations. He handles it like he’s never done anything else,” said Tuchel. “But we are well aware of it and will try and find solutions tomorrow (Tuesday).”
Tuchel has encouraged the home supporters to generate a unique atmosphere at the Allianz Arena. “We need the atmosphere to be incredible. We also need the fans to support us, even in moments when it’s more difficult. Together with the fans, we need to create an atmosphere that gives us an advantage,” he told reporters.
“When you’re playing against Real Madrid, you’re also up against the aura, the legend that surrounds them. Our focus will be fully on the game. We’re all looking forward to a great match he continued. “(Madrid have) clear patterns. It’s a mix of a midfield diamond and two holding, two attacking midfielders. It’s very flexible, experienced, and automated.”
Tuchel may have some concerns regarding player injuries ahead of the match, with doubts surrounding 21-year-old playmaker Jamal Musiala, who has contributed 12 goals and seven assists in all competitions this season.
“As of right now, nothing is 100% certain,” Tuchel said. “Konrad Laimer, Matthijs de Ligt, and Dayot Upamecano will undergo some final checks soon. Things look good for Konni (Konrad). We also need to wait and see with Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane.”
Joshua Kimmich emphasized that the priority is to position Bayern favorably for the second leg at Santiago Bernabeu on May 8.
“It’s a clash between two big clubs. We know that Real have a lot of experience and quality in their team. They believe in themselves and know their strengths,” the midfielder added. “Nevertheless, we’re heading into the game with plenty of confidence ourselves. We put in two good performances against Arsenal and have no reason to hide.”
