No playing time against Arsenal: Tuchel gives Müller promise | OneFootball

Bayern veteran Thomas Müller has lost his regular place under Thomas Tuchel. Even though the plan worked against Arsenal at least, his coach has now made him a promise.

Thomas Müller once again fell victim to head coach Thomas Tuchel’s tactical reorganisation yesterday (Wednesday). In order to stop the lightning-quick Bukayo Saka on the Arsenal right wing, Tuchel deployed Noussair Mazraoui at left-back and Raphaël Guerreiro as a nominal left winger, who was mainly occupied with defensive work.

As a result, Jamal Musiala moved into the attacking centre, which meant that Müller had to watch the quarter-final second leg from the bench. He had already spent 90 minutes as a spectator in the first leg. This means that the Bavarian has now made 149 Champions League appearances. However, he is yet to celebrate his 150th appearance this CL season. After reaching the semi-finals, Tuchel promised: „Now there are two more, then he’ll get it.“

„That’s not Thomas‘ role“

Before the match against Arsenal FC, Tuchel explained his decision on the DAZN microphone: „You have to do a lot of defending on that side. Arsenal’s right side is their side where they usually initiate most of their attacks. That’s their most dangerous side. That’s why we opted for Rafa. It’s not Thomas‘ role to play half-back on the left. Rafa has played in that position.“

The decision to play Mazraoui and Guerreiro together on the left flank worked out perfectly. The duo had Saka & Co. firmly under control and repeatedly provided dangerous impetus in attack. Both were among the best FCB players. President Herbert Hainer raved about Tuchel’s „tactical masterstroke“ after the game when asked about his unusual starting eleven.