Thomas Tuchel has discussed how he intends to stop Erling Haaland in Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash with Manchester City on Tuesday.
Two of Europe’s most in-form teams will face off in a heavyweight quarter-final clash this week. Key to Man City’s run of eight consecutive wins recently has been the outstanding form of Haaland, with the Norwegian scoring a rather ridiculous 10 goals in his last three appearances. Said 10 goals took Haaland’s tally to 44 in all competitions this season.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s first leg clash, Tuchel was asked how intends to stop the seemingly unstoppable striker, recalling some advice he received from Johan Cruyff.
“I’ve had the pleasure of talking to Johan Cruyff who told me about a forward they could never control with Barca until they stopped marking him and then he stopped scoring goals. We won’t do that tomorrow though.”
Tuchel was also asked about whether or not he’ll be using his experience of beating City in a UEFA Champions League final with Chelsea to his advantage when his new club Bayern face Pep Guardiola’s team, and he insisted he does not intend to discuss that game with his players.
“We did not mention this final with one word and we will not do it.
“That would feel very awkward for me to do this. We focus now on our team. I would have wished for some more weeks and months to understand our team better but we don’t have it and no problem. We’re excited and hopefully it brings out the best in us.
“The way Man City play is relatively clear. You can clearly see that Pep has been around for six/seven years. It’s the highest level that European football currently has to offer. They are the gold standard. And they’re in top form.”
Tuchel was joined for media duties by Bayern defender Matthijs de Ligt, and the Dutchman added his own thoughts about stopping Haaland and the supply chain of passes coming into him.
“I think this game is going to be complicated. He is very good in the box and outside,” he said.
“What matters is that we organised the defence very well and the midfield. Haaland is incredible but without good crosses or passes from Kevin De Bruyne it will be harder for him. I think our entire team needs to be in top shape and form to stop someone like Haaland.”
Thomas Tuchel’s record against Pep Guardiola
Tuchel has taken on teams managed by Guardiola ten times during his career, and although the Spaniard has the better overall record, the gap is closing for the former Borussia Dortmund manager.
Most notably, Tuchel’s Chelsea beat City 1-0 in the 2021 Champions League final thanks to a goal from Kai Havertz – a player of interest now that he’s Bayern Munich boss.
- Games played: 10
- Guardiola wins: 5*
- Draws: 2*
- Tuchel wins: 3
