On Tuesday afternoon, Thomas Tuchel discussed the potential playing time for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui in the Champions League return match against Arsenal. The Bayern Munich coach will call upon the Dutch international, but indicated that the chances are somewhat smaller for Mazraoui.
At the beginning of the season, De Ligt was far from assured of a starting position at Bayern.
According to Tuchel, this had nothing to do with a certain fixed pecking order. 'Matthijs has never been our number four in terms of central defenders. It's always about timing. We've had situations where we've had four fit central defenders and have always had confidence in him, just as we do now in Min-Jae Kim and Dayot Upamecano. We need Matthijs in top form tomorrow,' said the German coach, indicating that the Dutch international will start just as he did at the Emirates Stadium.
While De Ligt will appear in the starting lineup, it seems to be a more difficult story for Mazraoui. The Moroccan was recently criticized by Tuchel, but the coach is short on left-backs due to Alphonso Davies' suspension. 'After the last training session, we will decide who will start as left-back. I will also have a talk with Noussair to see how he is doing,' said Tuchel, who then stated that the former Ajax player has not had a regular routine for ten weeks due to injuries, illness, and fasting during Ramadan. 'He has really had to grit his teeth, but we will make the decision tonight,' he said.
Bayern saw Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman drop out with various injuries, but Tuchel has good news about Manuel Neuer and Leroy Sané. The struggling duo will play. Aleksandar Pavlovic also returns to the match squad, but it's too soon for him to start. 'I see no reason to break my midfield, but it's nice to have Pavlovic back given the chance of 120 minutes of football.'
Kane
In addition to Tuchel, Kane also spoke during the press conference. Matches featuring the Englishman against Arsenal - the arch-rival of his former employer Tottenham Hotspur - are charged. According to the striker, this image is mainly created by the outside world. 'I know that a lot of Tottenham fans are hoping Bayern goes to the semifinals and I'm going to do everything I can to make that happen,' said Kane.
Bayern and Arsenal will fight on Wednesday evening at 9:00 PM to see who will play in the semifinals of the billion-dollar ball. The first leg in England ended in a 2-2 draw.
