Bayern Munich not giving up title hopes, says Tuchel

Despite being 10 points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel remains hopeful about the team’s chances to chase down the top spot and secure a record-extending 12th consecutive league title.

Sitting in second place with 54 points after 24 matches, Bayern is gearing up to face Mainz 05 on Saturday following their 3-0 victory over Lazio in the Champions League round of 16. Tuchel, who will depart from Bayern at the end of the season, acknowledged the sizable gap with Leverkusen but emphasized that the title race is not over.

“We haven’t handed over the title,” Tuchel stated during a press conference on Friday. “There’s an area between giving up and a statement of intent — and that’s called reality. The gap is very big. That’s realistic. For us, it’s about being more stable and finding new stability. That always starts with the next step. We need to win, win, win.”

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While acknowledging that the title is no longer entirely in their hands, Tuchel highlighted the team’s responsibility to give their all in every match. Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism, noting that experiences like the recent win against Lazio contribute to the positive mood within the squad.

“There’s always big hope. Obviously experiences and results like that (Lazio) help us, should give us courage and confidence,” he added. “When you pull on the Bayern jersey, it’s about performing. That’s the same tomorrow. We want the maximum tomorrow. We hope the win gives us confidence, and we can follow it with more wins.”