With only 16 field players, but with Noussair Mazraoui on board again, FC Bayern takes on Galatasaray Istanbul. After the upheavals surrounding the Moroccan, there will be anything but calm in the Champions League on Tuesday (October 24th, 2023).
Even before the Champions League game against Galatasaray Istanbul (audio stream and live ticker from 6:45 p.m. on sportschau.de), to the dismay of Thomas Tuchel, FC Bayern once again revolves around non-sporting things. It was (and is) too big the excitement surrounding Noussair Mazraoui after his much criticized pro-Palestine post. The same Mazraoui was surprisingly part of the squad that traveled to Istanbul on Monday. After the many discussions about the right-back, a starting eleven appearance is within the realm of possibility.
Mazraoui before lightning recovery: “Took a risk”
Mazraoui was in individual training after his return from the national team. Not for disciplinary reasons, but for health reasons, as Tuchel emphasized again on Monday. “We have accelerated the regeneration process to the limit and have also taken a bit of risk in the last few days – of course always in consultation with the player,” explained Tuchel.
The Bayern coach had often criticized the small size of his squad and was publicly criticized for it by honorary president Uli Hoeneß. But Tuchel’s fears appear to be coming true. With Leon Goretzka injured for weeks (broken metacarpal), an important pillar in the central midfield is missing.
After quarrels: Mazraoui right from the start?
Konrad Laimer could now fill this role again. The Austrian once again took over Mazraoui’s position at the back right of the back four against Mainz. Mazraoui’s quick comeback as a right-back would make Tuchel’s plans in this area much easier. But caution is advised. “He felt good and that’s why he took part in the final training,” said Tuchel: “If there is no reaction, then he can play. How long depends on how intense the game is.”
And the guest appearance in Istanbul is likely to be anything but relaxed. Galatasaray’s Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi Rams Park is considered one of the loudest stadiums in the world, and this didn’t go unnoticed by Tuchel. “We’re not completely green behind the ears. Each of us has played in loud stadiums, so we have the courage to deal with it.”
“Very strong and aggressive” Gala probably without Icardi
Nevertheless, Tuchel sees the special connection between the Gala fans and the team, which demonstrated its strong form not least in the 3-2 win over Manchester United at the beginning of October. The stadium is “extremely emotional and extremely loud”, and according to Tuchel, the Turkish champions have changed their “style, they are a very strong, emotional and aggressive team that has now been unbeaten for a long time.”
The fact that his top striker Mauro Icardi is questionable for the Bayern duel is of no importance to Tuchel, who knows Icarci from Paris St. Germain. “You are more than Icardi,” said Tuchel, agreeing with his defender Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutchman is also “not completely pain-free yet”, but will probably still have to play through. De Ligt and Min-Jae Kim are the only remaining central defenders in the squad. “As a football player you always have a bit of pain,” said de Ligt combatively, “you have to get through it.”
Source: BR24Sport
October 23, 2023 – 7:55 p.m
