Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel will be conspicuously absent from the dugout as European giants Bayern Munich and Manchester United clash at the Allianz Arena for their Group A Champions League opener, Soccernet.ng reports.
The German manager is suspended for the clash between the two European juggernauts on this Wednesday night.
Tuchel’s suspension stems from his dismissal during last year’s quarter-final second leg tie against Manchester City. He had vehemently protested decisions by French referee Clement Turpin.
As a result, he will not be overseeing the showdown with Manchester United.
In his stead, Tuchel’s assistants, Zsolt Löw and Anthony Barry, will take charge on the touchline. Löw will bear the responsibility for tactics and substitutions.
Tuchel will watch the game from the stands alongside third assistant coach Arno Michels, with no access to the dressing room on match day.
This development provides a glimmer of hope for Manchester United, who have been grappling with poor form in the Premier League. A dismal 3-1 home loss to Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend marked their third defeat in four games.
With Tuchel out of the picture, Manchester United will aim to achieve what they have never done before – hand Bayern Munich a home defeat. The German giants boast an unblemished record against the Red Devils at home, with three wins and two draws.
Adding to Bayern’s concerns, key winger Kingsley Coman may also be sidelined.
Coman’s availability for the clash with Manchester United is in doubt due to muscular issues. He missed the game against Leverkusen and, according to Bild, his limited Sunday training session offers little hope for his participation.
Despite these setbacks, Bayern Munich remain the favoured team to triumph over Manchester United.
Both clubs share nine European crowns between them, last locking horns nine years ago in a quarter-final second-leg clash, which Bayern won 3-1. Their previous encounter in the group stage dates back to 2001.
