Thomas Tuchel insists Bayern Munich won’t try ‘crazy things’ in transfer window

Thomas Tuchel insists Bayern Munich will not be “forced into crazy things” in the last days of the January transfer window despite a growing injury list.

Bayern are without a number of key first-teamers, including midfielders Joshua Kimmich, Konrad Laimer and centre-back Dayot Upamecano, as they aim to gain ground in the Bundesliga title race when they travel the short distance to Bavarian neighbours Augsburg on Saturday afternoon.

The depth of Tuchel’s squad is set to be tested in the coming weeks, but he is adamant his club will not be rushed into any panic buys.

Tuchel on the transfer window: “We’re working on things that make sense for us. We aren’t letting ourselves be influenced by other factors such as injuries. We believe in our strengths and in the players we have.” pic.twitter.com/fPtFOgwxUY

— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) January 26, 2024

“The transfer windows are getting more and more complicated. The public plays a bigger and bigger part in that,” he said at his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.

“I have full confidence in what we’re doing. We won’t be forced into crazy things. The team is clear for tomorrow. You rely on that as a coach. We’ll push the team through tomorrow’s game. I’m sure we’ll have everything to get an important away win tomorrow.”

Upamecano’s thigh injury means Englishman Eric Dier is set to continue in the starting XI after making his Bayern debut in the midweek win over Union Berlin.

Tuchel hailed Dier’s integration into the squad since his loan move to Germany from Tottenham.

It’s only taken 24 hours to feel the size and history but also the warmth of the club. I can’t wait to get to work and start this new journey.

Thank you all for your incredible welcome.

See you at the Allianz@FCBayern pic.twitter.com/Pqe0ehpJkG

— Eric Dier (@ericdier) January 12, 2024

“Obviously he’s lacking training sessions and playing time with the team. Now we’ve had a crash course, which is sometimes the best. He’s very aware, very clear in everything he does. I have great confidence that he’ll play well again tomorrow,” Tuchel said.

Bayern head into Saturday’s match four points behind unbeaten Leverkusen, whom they face in a title showdown on February 10.

“There’s no putting a value on the importance of games. Konrad Laimer and Dayot Upamecano are out for weeks. Konny (Laimer) has played every game for us, so it’s tough. We have to try to compensate for that,” he said.

“There’s a plan. We feel prepared. But there are obviously a lot of injuries from the rearranged game (against Union).”

Tuchel said Kimmich had “no chance” of being available, adding: “His shoulder needs to be immobilised, and then we’ll take things a week at a time. It’s tough to put a timescale on Josh being out.”

Augsburg coach Jess Thorup said his team were “on a really good trajectory” heading into the clash with Bayern, having won away at Borussia Monchengladbach last Sunday.

“We will try to keep in control of the game not just when we’re out of possession, but when we have the ball as well. We don’t just want to defend,” Thorup said.

The Augsburg coach revealed he had a full squad of players to pick from for Bayern’s visit.