Tuchel speaks on replacing Musiala, rotation plans and reveals Pavlovic is in contention to start
At a press conference on Friday, Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel gave some insight into how he plans to deal with the absence of Jamal Musiala. He also spoke about the possibility of rotating against Heidenheim and revealed that 19-year-old Aleksandar Pavlovic is in contention to start.
| Photo: Bayern München/OneFootball |
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Thomas Tuchel revealed that Thomas Muller is the most likely replacement for Musiala in the attacking midfield position.
"We have several alternatives, but of course Thomas is the top alternative. We are still leaving the decision open. But of course the probability is extremely high that Thomas will play," said Tuchel.
The Bayern coach could also make other changes from the team that beat Galatasaray, resting one or more of the players who have played a lot recently. Giving a personnel update, he said:
"We have to see how Leon Goretzka, Dayot Upamecano and Raphael Guerreiro are doing. We have some players who have played a lot recently like Alphonso Davies, Kingsley Coman, Minjae Kim. We're consulting with the players on a daily basis. But we won't be able to solve the puzzle until tomorrow."
One of the players in contention for a starting spot is 19-year-old Aleksandar Pavlovic, who has impressed in recent weeks.
"He is very close to making his first start. Unfortunately and fortunately. Unfortunately, because it shows that we have injury problems and that Joshua Kimmich, an absolute regular, is out. And thankfully, because he's ready. He deserves praise after his good performance in Dortmund. He's ready. He can play from the start or come on. The final decision hasn't been made yet," said Tuchel.