Tuchel rejects major squad rotations, Streich confirms start for Flekken
FC Bayern München head-coach Thomas Tuchel and SC Freiburg trainer Christian Streich have both completed their pre-match pressers ahead of tomorrow night's DFB Pokal quarterfinal showdown at the Allianz.
New FC Bayern München trainer Thomas Tuchel's second match in charge of the mighty German giants comes just three days after his first major test. The man specifically brought in to give the record champions a better chance of capturing three trophies this year must immediately face one of his tasks in an elimination match against 2021/22 domestic cup finalists Freiburg.
Tuchel provided injury updates at his Monday presser. Jamal Musiala, the coach confirmed, is still having issues with a thigh contusion and would likely only be available off the bench. Tuchel also explained that Eric Maxim Choupo Moting - absent from squad training on Monday - had merely sustained a minor knock and should be available tomorrow night.
Tuchel fielded questions about many different matters, including the coaching change at his old club Chelsea, the future status of defender Benjamin Pavard, and his opinion of the hitherto unused Joao Cancelo. Most of the questions directed at the FCB gaffer by journalists aimed to get Tuchel to divulge whether he would be rotating in players for tomorrow's cup match, something his predecessor did quite often.
"The situation doesn't allow for major rotations," Tuchel said, "We need a regular squad in order master our objectives. We are in the process of finding ourselves and need a sense of achievement in order to develop further. I want the players to value the confidence given by selection. Naturally, there are exceptions if the medical department recommends it."
Down south in Breisgau, Freiburg trainer Christian Streich also fielded questions about his squad. The SCF gaffer revealed that defender Philipp Lienhart remained unavailable with tight problems. Lukas Kübler's unavailability led to recently promoted youngster Kenneth Schmidt getting the start on the back-line against Hertha over the weekend.
Schmidt himself was also injured and replaced by Jonathan Schmid, who made a crucial error that allowed Hertha to score an equalizer. Streich revealed that Kübler might be fit in time to face Bayern. Streich also confirmed that - after turning to backup Noah Atubolu in the last two cup rounds - regular #1 Mark Flekken would stand in goal this time.
"[That decision] is about the overall constellation," Streich was quick to note "and not because we don't trust Noah to do it."
Freiburg must face Bayern once again in the league next Saturday. Bayern rolled over Freiburg 5-0 in their league meeting in October on matchday 10.