Tuchel does not ignore criticism: ‘It affects my mental health’

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Thomas Tuchel (50) has been Bayern’s coach since the end of March. But many people are not quite warm to him yet. He is repeatedly confronted with criticism that he considers exaggerated. Just a few weeks ago, Tuchel caused a scandal when he attacked his critics in a TV interview.

“There are always two sides”

On a stage at the Munich sports fair ISPO, Tuchel speaks publicly for the first time about how he deals with criticism. And enables intimate insights into his emotional world. The Swabian also comments on his private life, including his divorce from his wife Sissi, with whom he was married from 2009 to 2022. Until then, he was accompanied by his family at every station – but that is no longer the case.

“We always traveled with the whole family. Unfortunately, my personal family situation has changed somewhat due to my divorce. Until then it was normal and very nice that we always traveled as a family, which was not always easy for my wife and daughters. They had to leave their friends and their schools and start all over again. There are always two sides.”

“Head is triggered”

When asked about the many criticisms directed at him, Tuchel said: “It’s not very nice to be criticized, I’m just like everyone else.” To protect himself, he stays away from the internet as much as possible. What bothers him most is the fact that even with success, criticism never completely subsides. “That’s difficult. If you have a winning streak and can expect good things from yourself, then the criticism affects you too.”

And further: “Nobody can really handle it well, not even the players.” Because: “The head is triggered. If there are a hundred good responses, we are more likely to see two bad ones. It is very difficult to focus on the good, the bad two remain.” He also admits that when criticism reaches a certain level, his psychological well-being is affected: “There is a level where it is no longer healthy and my affects mental health, and I don’t want that. But that’s easier said than done.”

Yet Tuchel considers it a “privilege” to work as a coach. He’s happiest when he can just stand on the grass and lead a workout. Without the theater that comes with football, he explains. “I would really like to just be a coach, without that.” (sbe)

Source : Blick