Thomas Tuchel named Bayern Munich boss and faces Borussia Dortmund reunion for first time ahead of Pep Guardiola rematch and potential revenge at Chelsea
Thomas Tuchel’s appointment at Bayern Munich sees the return of one of football’s best managers.
However, it won’t be easy for the German as he prepares for a series of tough tests in his first weeks on the job.
Tuchel is back in management after his dismissal at Chelsea in September, confirmed as a replacement for Julien Nagelsmann at Bayern on Friday.
The 49-year-old has lived in Munich since leaving the Premier League and will train for the first time on Monday.
He signed a two-year contract with the German champions, who are currently one point behind leaders Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga table.
Tuchel was at Paris Saint-Germain before his move to west London and made a name for himself during his spell at Borussia Dortmund.
Although he has the admiration of their fans, Tuchel’s first task at his new employer will be to get one on his old club.
Bayern’s first match after the international break is a home clash against bitter rivals Dortmund.
Only one point separates the two teams, who have been constant rivals for the title in previous campaigns, so a lot is at stake at the Allianz Arena.
Champions League action will return a week and a half later, with Manchester City sitting between them and the semi-finals.
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Tuchel has already enjoyed success against Pep Guardiola on the European stage, beating him in the 2021 final with Chelsea.
Guardiola got the better of him in their subsequent encounters, but Tuchel currently holds Champions League bragging rights.
If Bayern win both matches, they will face winners Real Madrid against Chelsea.
Tuchel would therefore prepare his return to Stamford Bridge just eight months after being dismissed by the Blues.
This would see him come up against his replacement Graham Potter in the west London dugout as the two teams battle for a coveted place in the final.
He is a fan favorite at Chelsea, with some supporters continuing to chant his name, but their support could be silenced if Tuchel gets his revenge on the biggest stage.
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