Three observations from Bayern Munich’s annoying 2-2 draw with Bayer Leverkusen

Xabi Alonso got away with this one, but it’s not a good look for Tuchel either.

No, not in the slightest. Bayern Munich are far better than Bayer Leverkusen and the xG stats reflect that.

However, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Bayern Munich under Thomas Tuchel play a brand of football that is far below what the squad is actually capable of. When you compare it to what Xabi Alonso has achieved with Leverkusen, the difference is stark.

When a team with the likes of Thomas Müller, Serge Gnabry, and Leroy Sané in attack struggles to supply Harry Kane with chances, that’s a systemic issue. When Joshua Kimmich is constantly pulled between playing as a deep lying No. 6 and a forward pressing No. 8, that’s a systemic issue. And when the defense consistently looks disorganized under direct pressure, especially on set pieces — these things all come back to the coach.

Some people may forget this, but Thomas Tuchel wasn’t just brought in to spend €200 million and simulate a game of FIFA career mode. He was brought in to coach the team, to amplify its strengths and bring out the best in the players. That’s not happening right now.

Even if you give him the benefit of the doubt and say that the board failed to fulfill his request for a true defensive midfielder, it doesn’t excuse the level of performance he’s extracting from the team so far. Games feel like a slog, no matter who the opponent may be.

Something needs to change. Fans will hate to hear it, but Manchester United is shaping up to be a real test at this rate. There are already rumblings about Xabi Alonso as the next coach.

If Tuchel loses that one, he could be in real trouble.

Mathys Tel has found his niche

It’s not like Tuchel is squandering all the talent at his disposal. When it comes to Mathys Tel, his usage of the youngster is actually rather savvy and plays into Tel’s strengths as a footballer.