Football

Tuchel's future in doubt as Bayern Munich suffers devastating loss to Bochum

Bayern Munich's English forward Harry Kane reacts during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen in Munich on January 21, 2024. (Photo by KERSTIN JOENSSON / AFP) / DFL

By Rama Mohammed | Sunday, February 18, 2024

Bayern remain second in the Bundesliga with 50 points, 8 adrift log leaders Leverkusen with both having played 22 matches

Bayern Munich's aspirations of narrowing the gap on Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen were dealt a severe blow on Sunday as they succumbed to a shocking 3-2 defeat against relegation-threatened Bochum. The loss has ignited speculation about the future of coach Thomas Tuchel, whose tenure at the club could be in jeopardy following a string of disappointing results.

The match got off to a promising start for Bayern when Jamal Musiala broke the deadlock with his sixth goal of the season in the 14th minute. However, Bochum quickly regained their footing and responded strongly. A lengthy delay due to fan protests seemed to disrupt Bayern's rhythm, and Bochum capitalized on the momentum shift. Takuma Asano leveled the score with a clinical finish in the 38th minute, before Keven Schlotterbeck's unmarked header put Bochum ahead just before halftime. The situation worsened for Bayern when Dayot Upamecano was shown a red card for a foul in the penalty area, leading to Kevin Stoger converting from the spot to extend Bochum's lead to 3-1 in the 85th minute.

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Despite a late surge from Bayern, spearheaded by Harry Kane's close-range goal in the 87th minute, they were unable to salvage a point. The defeat marks Bayern's third consecutive loss in all competitions, intensifying the pressure on Tuchel.

The match was marred by disruptions, with fans protesting against a proposed foreign investment in the Bundesliga. Amidst the chaos, Bayern struggled to find their rhythm and paid the price with a lackluster performance.

The loss to Bochum has left Bayern's title hopes hanging by a thread and raised serious doubts about Tuchel's future at the club. With mounting speculation surrounding his position, Bayern faces a critical juncture as they prepare to host RB Leipzig in their next Bundesliga fixture.

🚨🔴 Internal talks to take place at FC Bayern now as Thomas Tuchel job remains at risk.

Time to decide manager’s future soon with president and directors involved. pic.twitter.com/8wFtV47INV
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 18, 2024

Meanwhile, Bochum's stunning victory sees them climb four places in the table, alleviating relegation concerns and injecting renewed confidence into the squad. They will look to build on this momentum when they travel to face Borussia Monchengladbach in their upcoming fixture.