Thomas Tuchel sees separation as an opportunity for Bayern

Thomas Tuchel sees the decision to part ways at the end of the season as an opportunity for FC Bayern and for himself. "It gives clarity, and clarity brings freedom. Freedom is always good, both for playing and for coaching," said the 50-year-old in Munich on Friday. When making decisions, there is no need to weigh up what "long-term effects" they might have. "I don't think I am the only problem, but of course I am responsible," said Tuchel, without going into detail.

"I love the job and I will of course do the job with the same energy as before," Tuchel assured ahead of Saturday's home game (6.30pm) against RB Leipzig.

The type and manner of performances and results have not been right at the German soccer record champions recently. However, Tuchel emphasized that it was not a clear picture. "If there was a clear picture and a clear culprit, in this case the coach, then someone else would be sitting at the press conference."

The Munich club, who are eight points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen ahead of the 23rd matchday, announced this week that they would part ways "by mutual agreement" one year before the end of their contract this summer. FC Bayern wants to undertake "a sporting reorientation with a new coach". "I'm not sure if there was an option for me to decide that," said Tuchel.

Tuchel's departure in the summer is intended to achieve two things. It should untie a knot in the team and coach, triggering a sporting turnaround. The focus is particularly on the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Lazio Rome on March 5, which is eminently important in sporting and financial terms. They are playing for maximum success, said Tuchel. A maximum of 18 games to go, but for that to happen, Munich would have to advance to the Champions League final with Tuchel. An undertaking that currently seems difficult to imagine.

It doesn't matter whether the decision is understandable, good or bad. "All that matters is the here and now. These are new circumstances," said Tuchel. "I never had the feeling that we weren't reaching the team."