Bayern Munich will not sack Thomas Tuchel despite slipping eight points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen after their defeat by Bochum, reports claim.
Pressure is rapidly building on Tuchel with the German giants at risk of their first trophyless season in 12 years, and their shock 3-2 loss on Sunday proved to be their third damaging defeat in a row across all competitions.
In a surprise move, Bayern cancelled the boss’ post-match press conference, leading to speculation that they would soon pull the trigger in a bid to salvage their season.
However, Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has revealed Tuchel will remain in post and is refusing to contemplate resigning owing to his desire to fight on.
A nightmare week for Bayern also saw them lose to Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen, who ran out emphatic 3-0 winners, and to Lazio in the Champions League last-16.
Tuchel has also been shown support by club CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen, with the kingpin insisting that the embattled head coach will not be dismissed.
‘I feel rubbish,’ Dreesen said post-match. ‘I don’t believe in big statements about the coach. This issue isn’t on our mind at the moment.’
Pressed on whether Tuchel would be at the helm next week, he replied: ‘Of course.’
Bayern took the lead in the showdown through Jamal Musiala, though the fixture was twice interrupted by protests from supporters over private Bundesliga investment.
Bochum turned the match on its head before half-time, however, after Takuma Asano and Keven Schlotterbeck both netted to leave Bayern teetering once again.
Kevin Stoger scored Bochum’s third from the penalty spot before under-fire defender Dayot Upamecano was sent off for the second time in as many matches.
And despite Harry Kane scoring his 25th league goal of the season late on, Bayern were unable to spare their blushes and force a share of the spoils.
‘I don’t think today’s defeat was fair, I think a lot went against us today,’ Tuchel said.
‘I think we had an expected goals value of 3.4 and we had four, five, six top chances.
‘We completely dominated the game and actually went behind out of nowhere.
‘We never stopped putting in the effort until the end and then played with a man down. A lot went against us today. I feel today’s defeat is different to the last two.’
Bayern return to action against RB Leipzig in the top-flight on February 24.
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