Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has insisted that the club have no immediate plans to part ways with head coach Thomas Tuchel following Sunday's 3-2 defeat at VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga.
The 50-year-old has come under increased pressure as the Bavarians have lost each of their last three games in all competitions over an eight-day period, and they are facing the prospect of a first trophyless season in 12 years.
Bayern have won the Bundesliga title in each of the last 11 seasons, but their latest defeat to Bochum leaves them sitting eight points behind unbeaten leaders Bayer Leverkusen, who secured a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Tuchel's side just over a week ago.
The German giants are also at risk of elimination from the last 16 of the Champions League after losing 1-0 away against Lazio in the first leg last Wednesday – a game in which they failed to register any of their 17 shots on target.
Despite Bayern's poor run of form, Sky Sport Deutschland reports that Tuchel will remain at the Allianz Arena and has no plans to hand in his resignation.
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Bayern chief Dreesen has since affirmed the club's stance on the future of Tuchel, telling reporters: "I don't believe in big statements about the coach. This issue isn't on our mind at the moment. Of course [Tuchel will be in charge next week]."
Following the defeat to Bochum, Tuchel's post-match press conference was cancelled to ensure that he and his Bayern squad arrived at the airport in time to make their flight home.
The contest at Vonovia Ruhrstadion was halted on two occasions, with both sets of players taken off the field of play, as objects including tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch by supporters in protest of foreign investment in the German top flight.
However, Tuchel was able to carry out some of his media duties after the match, and although he was disappointed with the result, he believes that he has the full support of the club to continue in the dugout.
"I don't think today's defeat was fair, I think a lot went against us today," said Tuchel. "I think we had an expected goals value of 3.4 and we had four, five, six top chances.
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"We completely dominated the game and actually went behind out of nowhere. We never stopped putting in the effort until the end and then played with a man down. A lot went against us today. I feel today's defeat is different to the last two."
Discussing his future, Tuchel added: "I feel the support, I know my relationship with CEO Dreesen and how we work together. He knows how much this situation annoys me and how much we are investing".
"If you ask me, I firmly still believe me and coaching staff can turn things around – yes. Growing pressure? That happens after every defeat. But today we never stopped, never stopped trying".
Tuchel and co will be looking to return to winning ways when they play host to Bundesliga top-four hopefuls RB Leipzig on Saturday.
Oliver Thomas
