Eberl ringing alarm bells for Bayern ahead of Arsenal duel
As Max Eberl spent over an hour in Bayern Munich's locker room on Sunday, it might tell the story of the club's troubles.
The 50-year-old board member of sport is said to have given the squad a piece of his mind. "We should quickly take care of a better performance," said the official, who also called the recent games embarrassing and "not Bayern-like."
Ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal against Arsenal on Tuesday evening, the Bavarians remain in a delicate state due to sportive setbacks and discussions about coach Thomas Tuchel, as several pundits and media speculate about if Tuchel is allowed to stay until the end of the season.
Thomas Mueller (L) of Bayern Munich vies with Emre Can of Borussia Dortmund during the German first division Bundesliga football match in Munich, Germany, March 30, 2024. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
While it seems certain that the 2021 Champions League winner will supervise the struggling German side in London, rumors are growing that he might be fired in case of a significant defeat.
Germany's Abendzeitung spoke about the club's plans to replace Tuchel with legendary striker Miroslav Klose and veteran coach Hermann Gerland. Both worked as assistant coaches when Hansi Flick was in charge of Bayern.
Several media are talking about "a final chance" for Tuchel in London.
Germany's record international Lothar Matthaus assumed Tuchel had lost the locker room after the announcement to leave at the end of the season.
The recent defeats against Borussia Dortmund and newly-promoted FC Heidenheim tell the story from Matthaus' perspective.
The former midfielder spoke about the 69-year-old Gerland as a possible option to finish the poor season. "He has the ability to unleash the team's full potential. If they work together as a true team, they are one of the Champions League's favorites," said Matthaus.
The Champions League campaign is Bayern's last chance to win a title this season. Following the game in London, Tuchel will face a one-game ban in the Bundesliga against Cologne after receiving his fourth yellow card in Heidenheim.
Eberl recently spoke about keeping Tuchel for the Arsenal clash "as I can't say anything more. But it is a fact, it's not always the coach who is to blame."
Reports speak of Bayern's squad facing a fundamental re-launch in the summer. "I have the feeling we have to change a lot," Eberl said.
Bayern's hopes ground on the return of national goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and the speed of French winger Kingsley Coman, aside from Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane.
Eric Dier is expected to be in the starting eleven to help stabilize the recently wavering back-row.
Meanwhile, the participation of 19-year-old midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic is at stake as he just recovered from a cold and missed several games.