In the aftermath of the Champions League semi-final first leg, Bayern Munich’s coach Thomas Tuchel pointed out that one player’s ‘greed’ on the field was a concern.
Tuchel, who has recently been associated with a potential move to Manchester United, expressed disappointment with his team’s defensive lapses during the match on Tuesday.
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Despite Bayern clawing back with goals from Leroy Sane and Harry Kane in the second half, which neutralized Vinicius Junior’s early goal, it was Vinicius who later secured a draw for Real Madrid with a decisive penalty.
The match concluded with a 2-2 scoreline, leaving all to play for in the forthcoming second leg.
In a post-match interview with TNT Sports, Tuchel conveyed his frustration, labeling the result as an opportunity squandered.
He added: “We lost our rhythm and fluidity. I don’t know exactly why. They changed their shape and defending. Then we conceded and our self-confidence was gone. We played too slow.”
In another interview, Tuchel commented on the performance of South Korean centre-back Kim Min-jae, who replaced Matthijs de Ligt in the starting lineup after he suffered a knee injury against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.
The Bayern head coach certainly made his feelings known.
“He [Min-jae] was too ‘greedy’ twice. He made the first move too early against Vinicius in the first goal and got caught by Toni Kroos’ pass. He speculated and was too aggressive,” Tuchel told reporters.
“In the second goal, unfortunately it was another mistake. We were five against two, we had the numbers. There was no need to defend that aggressively against Rodrygo.
“The moment Eric was about to help, he [Kim] brought him [Rodrygo] down. Unfortunately with their quality, these mistakes get punished. But well, it happens. We have to move on.”
Tuchel wasn’t the only person to criticise Min-jae’s display against the Spanish team.
Steve McManaman, who was on commentary duty for TNT Sports, said the defender had a “night to forget” as Madrid secured a draw at the Allianz Arena.
After Kim conceded a penalty in the 83rd minute after bringing down Rodrygo, the former Real Madrid star said: “Sloppy, so sloppy, you cannot touch him.”
He added: “That’s a penalty. What’s he playing at [Kim] making a challenge like that? It doesn’t matter what level you play at. Mistakes, mistakes, mistakes, will cost you dearly.”
McManaman later said: “Kim has had a night to forget at this level. Can he turn it on again next week at the Bernabeu?”
