Tuchel: “The result doesn’t reflect the game”

Bayern Munich suffered a tough 3-0 loss in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals against Manchester City. City boss Thomas Tuchel was in charge for just his third game after repalcing Julian Nagelsmann. Despite the score, Tuchel did not feel it was a good indicator of how his side played.

Tuchel not giving up

The 3-0 defeat to City was Bayern’s joint-biggest margin of defeat against an English side in all European competitions, matching a 3-0 loss to Liverpool in 1971. However, Tuchel said he thought his team defended well.

“The result doesn’t reflect the game. We showed real character. We played well for the first 20 minutes of the second half, but weren’t rewarded,” said Tuchel.

He pointed out that the opening goal from Rodri made it “really, really difficult” to come back.

“The reaction was great during the first half. In the second half, it was even better,” he said. “In the period where the goal could give us a huge boost of confidence, the opposite happened.”

Now, Tuchel and Bayern will have to come back from a big loss when they head to Allianz Stadium for the second leg against City on Wednesday, April 19.

“Obviously, everyone is disappointed. It didn’t feel like a 3-0 loss, but that’s what it is,” said Tuchel. “It’s a big ask to turn it around, but we won’t give up. A home game in Germany is a home game in Germany. It will not be over until we’re in the shower.”