Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich crashed out of the DFB-Pokal after a disastrous 95th-minute penalty in their quarter-final match against Freiburg. The penalty, awarded after a handball by Bayern’s Niklas Sule, was converted by Freiburg’s Nils Petersen to seal the win.
Bayern Munich had dominated possession throughout the match but struggled to convert their chances. Freiburg had several opportunities to score but were denied by some outstanding saves by Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
The defeat is a blow for Bayern Munich, who had hoped to win the DFB-Pokal for a record-extending 21st time. It is also a setback for Tuchel, who has been under pressure after a series of disappointing results since taking over as Bayern Munich’s head coach earlier this season.
Tuchel, who previously coached Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, was brought in to replace Hansi Flick, who resigned at the end of last season. However, Bayern Munich has struggled to replicate the dominant form they displayed under Flick, and Tuchel’s future at the club is now uncertain.
The defeat to Freiburg is the latest in a series of setbacks for Bayern Munich, who are also struggling in the Bundesliga. The club is currently in third place, seven points behind league leaders RB Leipzig.
Bayern Munich will now have to regroup and focus on their upcoming matches if they hope to salvage their season. Tuchel, in particular, will need to find a way to turn around the team’s form if he hopes to keep his job as head coach.