Thomas Tuchel drops major Barcelona hint after Xavi announcement | Football

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Tuchel’s statement comes less than 24 hours after Xavi announced that he is stepping down as Barcelona boss at the end of the season.

The former Chelsea manager is under pressure at Bayern with the club currently two points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, while reports have claimed that the 50-year-old clashed with Bayern’s hierarchy over their failure to sign Declan Rice and Joao Palhinha in the summer.

But now Tuchel has opened the door to a move to La Liga and says he enjoys working with Spanish players.

‘From my perspective, and based on my experience working with Spaniards, they are characterised by a tremendous amount of self-confidence.

‘When you speak with Spanish players, I quickly get the sense that you are engaging with the person.’

In October, Bayern’s honorary president, Uli Hoeness, hit out at Tuchel after he accused the club’s hierarchy of leaving him with a ‘thin squad’ after the summer transfer window.

‘Those statements are a feast for the media, especially the tabloids,’ Hoeness said.

‘Some, including the coach, made unwise statements, because I shouldn’t make my own team look bad by saying our squad is too thin. We don’t have a thin squad.’

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